National Basketball League (NKL) of Lithuania has never had a big interest from basketball scouts but the 2nd Lithuanian basketball division is the place where the major part of talents play. Some of these players had already showed themselves in European youth competition, while others are just starting to attract attention.

Every team has played 4 games so far, that is why we can review top young performers.

#1 - Erikas Kubilius (’95, 194 cm) - Palanga’s guard has made his goals clear very soon. He averaged 28.5 points in first two games. In next two games he was not so dominant but still was efficient. Last year in NKL he was known for steals, as he set the season record with 9 in one game. According to the player, this summer he had offers from LKL and NKL teams but decided to stay in Palanga. The hard working player has all around game and playing with one year older guys in European U20 competition this summer helped him to get more confidence. The good thing for Kubilius is not only his role in the team but also Palanga’s success at the start of the season as his team is 3-1 right now. At the moment Kubilius ranks 5th in scoring and 2nd in efficiency in whole league.

Statistics so far: 19 PPG (55% 2P, 50% 3P, 87% FT), 8.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.5 TO, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG.

#2 - Tautvydas Kliucinykas (’95, 187 cm) - the guard of Suduva-Mantinga Marijampole was a rotation player for few years but due to the injury of the main point guard Matas Sapiega he got his chance. In 4 games he averaged almost 34 minutes per game of playing time and is the most efficient player of the experienced team. Due to his size Kliucinykas is not the biggest threat attacking the basket but he is efficient shooter who can score and run his team’s offense. When Suduva-Mantinga find their new point guard and Ignas Labutis (’94) gets back onto the court Kliucinykas’ playing time will decrease but he definitely is the player to keep an eye on this season. He should be on Lithuanian U20 national team’s radar next summer.

Statistics so far: 15.8 PPG (60% 2P, 33% 3P, 79% FT), 6.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.8 TO, 3 SPG.

#3 - Karolis Sarukas (’95, 198 cm) - once dominant in Lithuanian School League (MKL) Sarukas now is finding his way into Petrochema Jonava’s rotation. The offensively strong power forward is little undersized for his position but this season he finds ways to score. His fellow teammates Lukas Grabauskas (’95) and Ricardas Verbickas (’95) had their share of time playing for Lithuanian youth national team but they struggle a lot more playing among real men.

Statistics so far: 14.5 PPG (54% 2P, 67% 3P, 75% FT), 4.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 1 TO, 2.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG.

#4 - Tomas Galeckas (’94, 185 cm) - he cannot say that he has as good statistics as afore mentioned players but Galeckas has really big impact on veteran full team which is being considered to be a top contender this season. Few years ago when Galeckas played for Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius in Junior Euroleague competition, he got lots of praises for being in control and true general on the court. The point guard does not have size or athletic abilities to attack the rim through contact but he shows great basketball IQ and reliable with ball in his hands.

Statistics so far: 10.3 PPG (62% 2P, 50% 3P, 63% FT), 2.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 2 TO, 1.8 SPG.

#5 - Martynas Echodas (’97, 204 cm) - Zalgiris-2 Kaunas’ big man is having a break out year in NKL. With his start of the season he proves to be one of the best prospects in Lithuania and worth attention from other countries (EH #27 at ’97 rankings). Echodas has already shown his athletism in international arena. His physical abilities together with his feel for the game are the main things that intrigue people. Zalgiris Kaunas farm team is as young as ever so Echodas will get his chance no matter what.

Statistics so far: 13.8 PPG (52% 2P, 68% FT), 7.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 2.3 TO, 0.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG.

#6 - Martynas Varnas (’97, 196 cm) - another product of Zalgiris-2. Varnas is being considered to be top talent (EH #9 at ’97 rankings). He has showed his potential in various competitions - European youth championships, Junior Euroleague, etc. Last season he had nice role in Zalgiris-2 team but this season he has to step up even more since the team got younger. The wing has big expectations, that is why his first two games of the season were a disappointment (-7 EFF in 1st game and 6 EFF in 2ns). However, it seems he got back into the rhythm.

Statistics so far: 9.3 PPG (53% 2P, 33% 3P, 77% FT), 2.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 3 TO, 0.5 SPG.

Photo: lrytas.lt

Twitter of the author: @Lukas_Kuc