BC Lietuvos rytas

Lietuvos rytas Vilnius
Nickname	Rytas Vilniečiai Black-white-red
Leagues	Lithuanian Basketball League EuroCup
Founded	1963 (as Statyba) ‡[1] 1997 (as BC Lietuvos rytas)
History	Statyba 1963–1997 Statyba-Lietuvos rytas 1997–1998 BC Lietuvos rytas 1998–present
Arena	Siemens Arena Lietuvos rytas Arena
Arena Capacity	11,000 (Siemens Arena) 2,500 (Lietuvos rytas Arena)
Location	Vilnius, Lithuania
Team colors	Black, white, red
President	Antanas Guoga
Team manager	Darius Gudelis
Head coach	Rimas Kurtinaitis
Ownership	Antanas Guoga, Linas Kleiza, Darius Gudelis, Norvelita, Perlas and Vilnius City Municipality
Affiliation(s)	BC Perlas
Championships	2 EuroCup 5 Lithuanian Championships 3 Lithuanian Cup 1 Lithuanian League Cup 1 North European League 3 Baltic Championships 1 Baltic Presidents Cup 5 Lithuanian SSR League 5 Lithuanian SSR "Sports" Cup 2 USSR A class League
Website	Official website
Uniforms
Home Away

BC Lietuvos rytas, also known as Rytas, is a Lithuanian professional basketball club based in Vilnius, Lithuania. The club, founded in 1997 on the basis of another club, BC Statyba, is one of the most successful Lithuanian basketball clubs. Rytas, among other titles, have won two EuroCup titles, five Lithuanian League titles, three Lithuanian Cups and three Baltic Championships. Lietuvos Rytas plays their home games at 11,000-seat Siemens Arena and 2,500-seat Lietuvos rytas Arena.

Some of the greatest Lithuanian basketball players have played for Lietuvos Rytas over the years including: Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Ramūnas Šiškauskas, Arvydas Macijauskas, Jonas Valančiūnas, Martynas Gecevičius, Renaldas Seibutis, Simas Jasaitis, Robertas Javtokas, Darius Songaila, Marijonas Petravičius, Rimantas Kaukėnas, Rimas Kurtinaitis, Gintaras Einikis.

Lietuvos Rytas plays in the Eurocup, Lithuanian Basketball League, and King Mindaugas Cup.

They also have a farm club Perlas, which is used for the development of young players and plays in the second-tier NKL.

History

Origins (1963–1997)

In 1963 first basketball team from Vilnius, called Žalgiris, was formed. Next year it changed its name to Plastikas. The same year, 1964, Plastikas players joined a new team, called Statyba. This name was used for over 30 years.^[2]

Jonas Kazlauskas, Rimas Girskis, and then head coach Rimantas Endrijaitis led Statyba to a third place in the 1979 Soviet Union Championship.^[3] Three years later, Šarūnas Marčiulionis joined the team and became its leader. In 1987, Artūras Karnišovas joined the team at the age of 16. In 1994 Statyba won bronze medals in first LKL season.

In 1995 biggest Lithuanian newspaper Lietuvos rytas started sponsoring Sūduva Marijampolė, a basketball club from Marijampolė, Lithuania. The partnership lasted for two seasons, during which the team was known as Lietuvos Rytas Marijampolė and played in the second-tier Lithuanian league, the LKAL. A notable player for the team was teenager Darius Songaila. However, after 1996–97 season partnership ended.^[4]

At the same time Statyba faced with financial difficulties and was at the verge of bankruptcy. The team needed new investors and in 1997 Lietuvos rytas bought the club. However, new owners didn't want to continue Statyba history and started anew – the team was renamed to Statyba-Lietuvos rytas, then just Lietuvos rytas. The newspaper's investment helped the club to establish itself as one of two best in Lithuania, the other being BC Žalgiris from the country's second-largest city Kaunas.

First successes (1997–2004)

During its first season, Lietuvos Rytas managed to repeat Statyba's biggest achievement in LKL and won bronze. Next season was even better - Rytas won LKL silver, losing only to reigning Euroleague's champions BC Žalgiris. Team also took second place in 1997 William Jones Cup.

However, the biggest success at that time came in 2000, when Vilnius' side, led by the so-called "big three"—Ramūnas Šiškauskas, Andrius Giedraitis and Eric Elliott, also combined with youngsters Arvydas Macijauskas and Robertas Javtokas, managed to win LKL. The team was coached by Šarūnas Sakalauskas. It was the first time in the history of the Lithuanian Basketball League when Žalgiris did not win the LKL title. Also, Rytas reached the Saporta Cup semifinal, where they met last season Euroleague runner-up Kinder. After an upsetting home win 70–60, Lietuvos rytas lost in Italy 71–83, with Šiškauskas missing a three-pointer which would've won the two-game series for his team.

The next season, due to the split between the FIBA and ULEB, Rytas played in the FIBA Suproleague, making to the, but losing in quarterfinals to Anadolu Efes S.K.. The team won third place in the NEBL, a step down from the previous seasons second place. In the LKL finals, Žalgiris defeated Lietuvos rytas in tough five game series 3:2.

In 2002 Lietuvos rytas repeated their triumph, this time in a dramatic seven-game final series with the last game decided in overtime. The team played without center Robertas Javtokas, who was seriously injured in a motorbike crash.^[5] Lietuvos rytas also won the NEBL title in 2002, becoming the last team winning the tournament. The team held first place in the group stage of the Saporta Cup, but lost in the quarter-finals to Hapoel Jerusalem B.C..

Over the next two seasons, Lietuvos rytas lost both times in the LKL finals to Žalgiris. They had more success in Europe, though, finishing in second place in the FIBA Eurocup regional stage (though losing to KK Hemofarm in the final stage). The team also debuted in the ULEB Cup, making to the quarterfinals, but losing to Hapoel Jerusalem B.C..

Foreign coaches era (2004–2008)

2004–05: ULEB Cup Champions

After not winning any title in the past two seasons Lietuvos Rytas decided that change was needed and started recruiting foreign coaches, first of them being Serbian Vlade Đurović. Midway through the season, team leader Frederick House suffered a season-ending injury,^[6] head coach Đurović resigned and was replaced by Slovenian Tomo Mahorič. Despite this, newcomer Tyrone Nesby, Latvian playmaker Roberts Štelmahers and an inspirational Lithuanian trio: Robertas Javtokas, Simas Jasaitis and Tomas Delininkaitis led the team to the victory of 2005 ULEB Cup, beating Pamesa Valencia in the semifinals and Makedonikos in the final. This victory granted them a place in the Euroleague, the continent's primary basketball club tournament. Lietuvos Rytas won second place in both the LKL and BBL finals, losing handily to Žalgiris.

2005–06: Euroleague debut

Before the 2005–06 season, Croatian specialist Neven Spahija became the head coach of the team. Lietuvos rytas started the 2005–06 Euroleague season well. After losing their first two matches, Rytas matched the Euroleague record by winning seven consecutive Euroleague fixtures, defeating such teams as Winterthur FCB, champions Maccabi (twice) and Efes Pilsen. Those wins allowed Rytas to advance to Top 16 phase, where they won three times out of six, beating Tau Ceramica once and Brose Baskets twice. However, that was not enough and Lietuvos rytas was eliminated from that year's Euroleague.

After winning the Baltic Basketball League title, Lietuvos rytas won their easiest finals series, crushing Žalgiris 4–0. Despite winning the Lithuanian title, Lietuvos rytas did not acquire the country's spot for 2006–07 Euroleague that was reserved to the archrival Žalgiris.

2006–07: ULEB Cup finalists

Although the coach and three leading players: Robertas Javtokas, Simas Jasaitis and Fred House had left the team during the interseason, the 2006–07 ULEB Cup season was rather successful for Lietuvos rytas as well, despite that two coaches were replaced during the season: Sharon Drucker from Israel was replaced by Slovenian Zmago Sagadin and the latter to his assistant coach Aleksandar Trifunović from Serbia. The roster was strengthened during the season when promising NBA player Kareem Rush arrived to lead the team to the ULEB Cup final where Lietuvos rytas was defeated by Real Madrid. However, Real Madrid's victory at the ACB semifinals and of one of four spots reserved for Spain allowed Lietuvos rytas to take part in the 2007–08 Euroleague as the ULEB Cup finalist. On 27 April 2007, Lietuvos rytas won their second consecutive BBL title, Kareem Rush was named the Final Four MVP. The LKL finals and LKF Cup finals were both unsuccessful, though, as Žalgiris won them both.

2007–08: Back to Euroleague

Lietuvos Rytas was very successful in the regular season of 2007–08 Euroleague, beating teams like Unicaja Málaga or Armani Jeans Milano. Very notable victories were achieved against future Euroleague finalists of that season, Maccabi Tel Aviv. On 1 November, Lietuvos rytas defeated Maccabi by 18 points at home for a third time in a row as Artūras Jomantas led the team with 19 points and became the week's co-MVP with Erazem Lorbek, both having performance index ratings of 29. The fourth victory in a row over Maccabi (away, by 5 points) was due to spectacular performances by Hollis Price (19 points) and Chuck Eidson (28 points).

A road victory against Cibona Zagreb on 31 January 2008 completed the Euroleague regular season for Lietuvos rytas and allowed them to remain at the first spot in the Group B securing a favorable position in the first pool before the Top 16 draw together with CSKA Moscow, Real Madrid and Panathinaikos Athens. Their 11–3 record was the team's best regular-season performance ever, and the best by a Lithuanian team in Euroleague at the time. However, the team wasn't as successful in the Top 16 and with record of 2–4 did not advance to playoffs.

Lietuvos rytas were the runner-up at all: the Lithuanian Basketball League, the Baltic Basketball League and the Lithuanian Cup, losing each time to Žalgiris.

Rimas Kurtinaitis era (2008–2010)

The 2008–2009 season was met by the team with a significantly reduced budget, putting a greater emphasis on young and perspective local players. Nevertheless, Lietuvos rytas managed to win the first Baltic Basketball Presidents Cup. On 21 October 2008, Lietuvos Rytas had a first chance ever to play against basketball club Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Lietuvos Rytas lost that game with result 106:126.^[7]

However, as many other Baltic professional sports clubs, Lietuvos rytas had to face the blow of financial crisis in late 2008 and early 2009. Having lost two of its foreign leaders ^[8] Lietuvos rytas still managed to reach the second phase of Eurocup finishing second in their group with three home wins and three away losses. Head coach Antanas Sireika resigned and was replaced by a former Lietuvos rytas' player Rimas Kurtinaitis for the second half of the season. The team has started second phase of the Eurocup with only two foreign players, Chuck Eidson (a teammate of Petravičius at South Carolina) and Milko Bjelica on its roster which had been refreshed with promising Lithuanians. However, that was enough and Rytas successfully advanced to Final 8. Chuck Eidson was named the regular season MVP.

The Final 8 started with a victory against Benetton Treviso in quarterfinal on 2 April 2009. Two days later the team won semifinal against Hemofarm Vršac and made the third consecutive appearance in the ULEB Eurocup finals. Mindaugas Lukauskis has made a decisive three-pointer and that allowed him to become the only player to participate in the final three times in total and, later, the only two-times ULEB Cup champion. Going into finals, Rytas was considered underdog against rich Russian team BC Khimki. However, terrific performances of Steponas Babrauskas (18 points) and Marijonas Petravičius (20 points) allowed the team to overcome the odds and win the final. Lietuvos rytas made an outstanding 15:0 run, having left their rivals empty for 6 straight minutes in the third and fourth quarters. Rytas became the first team to reclaim the Eurocup title, while Marijonas Petravičius became the Final 8 MVP.

Lietuvos rytas was very successful in matches against archrival Žalgiris too. Firstly, it won the 2009 LKF Cup, with Mindaugas Lukauskis scoring the game-winning three pointer with 2 seconds left.^[9] Next was the Baltic Basketball League final game - it was won by Lietuvos rytas on 25 April 2009 over Žalgiris, 97 to 74. Chuck Eidson scored 41 points and was announced the MVP.^[10] It was the third BBL title for the club, compared to Žalgiris' two. The final trophy of the season was the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL). Lietuvos rytas swept past all the teams in the playoffs and qualified to the finals. There Vilnius team confronted their rival Žalgiris Kaunas and won the series 4 to 1, the final match taking place on 18 May. This was the 4th time Lietuvos rytas became the LKL champion. It was the 5th trophy of the season for the team from 5 possible ones.

After the season team leaders Marijonas Petravičius, Mindaugas Lukauskis and Chuck Eidson left the team and Lietuvos rytas acquired new perspective players to replace them. The team began their 2009–2010 season with a dramatic loss to their rivals BC Žalgiris 78 to 83 in BBL Cup finals. Lietuvos rytas also participated in the 2009 Gomelsky Cup, in which the team claimed third place after a near-loss game against Triumph Lyubertsy 94 to 90.

Lietuvos rytas was not successful in 2009–10 Euroleague – they lost the deciding game against Unicaja Málaga, took the 5th place in Group B and did not advance to the Top 16. However, their fierce battles with BC Žalgiris continued. After winning the LKF Cup by the score of 77:65, Lietuvos rytas, having problems with players injuries,^[11] suffered a loss in the BBL Finals to their rivals from Kaunas, 66 to 73. However, Lietuvos rytas took revenge and won the LKL trophy, beating Žalgiris after a thrilling series 4–3. It was the second consecutive LKL title of Vilnius' team. After the conclusion of the season, head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis left the club to be replaced by Croatian Dražen Anzulović.

Big dreams, small achievements (2010–2014)

2010–11: Fourth Euroleague season

The 2010–11 Euroleague season was the fourth one for Lietuvos rytas. After an unsuccessful start of the season, Dražen Anzulović was replaced by the team's former coach Aleksandar Trifunović. The result being 0-4 in their Group C, the team signed free agent Lithuanian star and a former team member Šarūnas Jasikevičius. After winning 3 of 3 last Euroleague group phase games, Rytas qualified for the Top 16 stage in the fourth berth during their last games. At the New Year's Eve Jasikevičius was replaced by a former member of the team Simas Jasaitis, also a free agent.

The Top 16 phase was the most successful for the team from all its 3 attempts. Playing in the Group E Lietuvos rytas defeated Caja Laboral at home, Panathinaikos Athens and Unicaja Málaga on the road. The last round remaining, the team had a chance to finish first in their Top 16 E group. However, Lietuvos rytas lost to Caja Laboral and took the third place in the group. The 9th place in Euroleague is the highest achievement for Lietuvos Rytas in this tournament in whole club history.

However, the remaining part of the season was unsuccessful for the club as Lietuvos Rytas lost in the semi-final at the Baltic Basketball League and finished only in 3rd place for the first time in club history. The Coach Trifunović was replaced by assistant coach Darius Maskoliūnas. The game improved, but the team ended up losing to Žalgiris in the LKL finals, 4 games to 1.

2011–12 - Euroleague qualification finalists

After dismissing Milko Bjelica, Kenan Bajramović, D.J. Strawberry, Cemal Nalga and losing team leader Martynas Gecevičius, Lietuvos Rytas replaced 8 players and opened a new page in club history. The beginning of the season was not very successful as Lietuvos Rytas didn't win Euroleague's qualification tournament which was organized in Vilnius. Lietuvos Rytas won their first two matches against Budućnost and Cibona Zagreb, but lost the final game against Galatasaray with a score of 63:71. Because of that, Lietuvos Rytas had to play at the second-tier European competition - EuroCup. The team, led by Renaldas Seibutis, Jonas Valančiūnas and Tyrese Rice, made it to the EuroCup quarterfinal round for the fifth time in a row and defeated BC Donetsk there, but lost to Valencia Basket in the semifinals. Rytas finished third after defeating Spartak 71:62.

Lietuvos rytas finished third in the regular season round of VTB United League and qualified for the eighth-final. They defeated BC Nizhny Novgorod there and advanced to quarterfinals where they met BC Khimki. Khimki were reigning Eurocup and VTB league champions and they were considered heavy favorites, but, unexpectedly, Rytas won the series 2:1. The Final Four tournament was organized at Siemens Arena. After a tense semifinal Lietuvos Rytas lost to CSKA and went on to win 3rd place against Lokomotiv-Kuban.

Despite two third places in international competitions, Rytas lost the LKL final series to Žalgiris 0:3. This was the worst domestic season in team's history - Rytas lost all 6 of its matches (5 in LKL and 1 in BBL) to its rival. Following the conclusion of the season, Tyrese Rice, Lawrence Roberts, Aleksandar Rašić and Jonas Valančiūnas left the team.

2012–13: Fifth Euroleague season

After losing most of their leaders during the summer, Rytas formed a younger squad. Players like Nemanja Nedović were expected to be the future of the team. However, the season was not very successful. It started with loss of Lithuanian Supercup to BC Žalgiris. After struggling to find rhythm in the opening months, Lietuvos Rytas released coach Aleksandar Džikić, promoting Maskoliūnas as head coach. Though the game has improved, thanks to the solid play of Leon Radošević, Renaldas Seibutis and Nemanja Nedović, the Euroleague season was finished only with a 2-8 record. The team did not fare much better in the VTB United League. After Leon Radošević and Predrag Samardžiski were released, Rytas signed Milt Palacio, Tomislav Zubčić and Patrick O'Bryant. However, the rookies didn't help much and Rytas still missed the VTB playoffs, with BC Donetsk defeating Rytas in the deciding game. Coach Maskoliūnas was fired then and replaced with Dirk Bauermann. Rytas started to play much better then, and in April scored a shocking away win over BC Žalgiris (first one in almost 2 years). Rytas made the LKL finals for the 15th time in a row. However, BC Žalgiris easily swept Lietuvos Rytas 4-0 in the final.

2013–14: Sixth Euroleague season

Due to the unsuccessful past season, the manager decided to almost completely rebuild the team: eight players left after the team lost LKL finals to the rival Žalgiris. Former team leader Martynas Gecevičius was recalled after two seasons break and a notable point guard Omar Cook was signed.^[12] Because the team was second in the domestic league, it had to hope for a Euroleague wild card. The team did not receive it, and had to participate in Euroleague's qualification tournament once again, which was held in Vilnius.

This time, Rytas, led by Renaldas Seibutis and Martynas Gecevičius, was successful: it won three games in a row (against VEF Rīga, EWE Oldenburg and Telenet Oostende), and qualified for the Euroleague.^[13] To strengthen the team roster before Euroleague games, Lietuvos rytas signed former NBA and Lithuania national team player Darius Songaila.^[14] On 18 October 2013, Lietuvos rytas started 13/14 Euroleague season with a tremendous victory against Panathinaikos Athens with the result 84–83^[15] after Renaldas Seibutis winning shot in OT.^[16] The game was named as the Euroleague's Game of the Week and re-broadcast in over 150 countries worldwide.^[17] However, after this, the level of play for the Lithuanian team dropped significantly and Rytas was not able to win any more games. 6 games were lost by 10 points or more and it turned out to be worst Lietuvos rytas season ever in Euroleague. Following the fiasco, coach Dirk Bauermann was replaced by Croat Aleksandar Petrović.^[18] The change helped and on 22 December 2013, Rytas crushed its rival Žalgiris with the result 90–58.^[19] After being eliminated in the Eurocup playoffs by KK Crvena zvezda, Lietuvos rytas also sufered a shocking defeat in the LKF Cup finals, losing to BC Prienai 91:92, leading to the firing of coach Aleksandar Petrović, who was replaced by Dainius Adomaitis.

Despite two victories against biggest Rytas rival Žalgiris during regular season, the LKL playoffs were an disaster for Lietuvos rytas. Due to rare situation in LKL standings, Rytas and Žalgiris met in the semi-finals and not in the finals for the second time since 1998. Darius Songaila 28 points led Rytas to first series victory in Vilnius with result 90:85,^[20] however then Rytas lost to Žalgiris in Kaunas with result 57:72 and series tied at 1-1.^[21] Third crucial game was played in Vilnius, however it was not successful for the home team. Despite having 7 points lead multiple times, Rytas lost to Žalgiris with result 71:73 and did not qualified to the LKL Finals for the second time in club history, losing the series 1:2.^[22] Team captain Steponas Babrauskas described it as an tragedy,^[23] moreover one of team leaders Renaldas Seibutis injured his eye after contact with Vytenis Lipkevičius and due to required surgery missed the rest of the season.^[24] The disastrous season continued for Rytas in the VTB playoffs-after defeating BC Triumph in the first round, Rytas lost to BC Nizhny Novgorod in the semifinal round, losing a chance to play in the 2014–2015 Euroleague season. Rytas finished in 3rd place in the LKL, winning the series against BC Prienai 3:0 and winning the bronze medals-this was the team's worst season since the 1998–1999 season.

Tough years in EuroCup and LKL (2014–2017)

2014–15: Return to EuroCup

After terrible LKL season last year, taking only 3rd place, Rytas lost all chances of qualifying into the Euroleague that year. He was not even invited to the qualifying tournament as before and had to return to the second-tier European league EuroCup. As a result of this, the club changed firmly. Firstly, club biggest stars Renaldas Seibutis, Omar Cook and Darius Songaila left the team. Secondly, the team played most of its games in the newly reconstructed Lietuvos rytas Arena instead of the Siemens Arena. Thirdly, Rytas withdrew from Russian VTB League. Virginijus Šeškus, a former multiple LKL bronze medalist with BC Prienai, was signed as a head coach of the team, along with his past team members Artūras Valeika and Mindaugas Lukauskis, who played six seasons in Rytas previously. Club owner Gedvydas Vainauskas shortly afterward said that enthusiastic V.Šeškus reminds him former team coach Rimas Kurtinaitis, who has led Rytas to the biggest victories in the club history.^[25] Lithuania national team member Adas Juškevičius and former NBA player Travis Leslie were signed as well.

On 15 October 2014, Rytas powerfully started the EuroCup season by 92–65 crushing Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade.^[26] They have finished first round with 8-2 record and took first place in the group. On 16 December 2014, team roster was strengthened with addition of Kšyštof Lavrinovič, who has signed two-year deal with Rytas.^[27] Later, on 5 January 2014, another Lithuania national team member Simas Jasaitis also signed with Rytas for the third time in his career.^[28] Lietuvos Rytas started the LAST-32 stage in Eurocup by winning against the best team in Poland, Turów Zgorzelec which was relegated to Eurocup after winning only one game in Euroleague's regular season.^[29] Despite successful start, Rytas lost three games of six in the second stage and qualified into the next round by taking 2nd place in the group only after the crucial smash-up of Telenet Oostende 111–83 at the last game in Vilnius. Due to questionable shape of the team, Virginijus Šeškus was fired as head coach.^[30] Despite fired as head coach, Šeškus stayed in Rytas as an assistant of the new head coach Marcelo Nicola.^[31][32]

On 20–22 February, Rytas participated in 2015 LKF Cup. They defeated Dzūkija 78–63 in the quarter-finals and Šiauliai 71–61 in the semi-finals, however at the finals Rytas lost season's first trophy to principal rival Žalgiris 76–82 and extended trophies drought.^[33]

On 4 March 2015, Lietuvos rytas played first game of the Eurocup playoffs versus Pınar Karşıyaka. Despite having the double-digit lead multiple times, Rytas failed to secure it until the final seconds. The match finished with result 81–81 and the series winner was to be decided in Turkey.^[34] Despite the affirmative thoughts and the mighty moods, on 11 March, Rytas players failed to show any positive signs in the game. The deficit was already shattering after the first two quarters (34–53). The final result was 97–81, ending the two-times Eurocup champion Rytas journey in the international competitions early that year.^[35]

In LKL, Rytas started ambiguously. On 19 October 2014 they suffered first defeat against Žalgiris 82–84 in Vilnius.^[36] Although, they defeated the Euroleague participant BC Neptūnas week later.^[37] On 15 November 2014 during the game against Pieno žvaigždės second defeat happened.^[38] Furthermore, on 28 December 2014, Rytas also suffered defeat to Neptūnas 90–94 in their home arena.^[39] On 1 January 2015 Rytas failed to compete for the victory during the second game against Žalgiris in Kaunas, losing the game 77–91.^[40] Though, on 8 March 2015 Rytas shown solid positive signs under the command of the new head coach. They absolutely crushed Žalgiris in Vilnius with result 93–66 and at times the Rytas lead was even 35 points.^[41] Žalgiris assistant coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius described the game as a "shame". Following the fiasco in Eurocup, on 15 March 2015, Rytas tremendously defeated Neptūnas 87–86 for the second time in Klaipėda after the astonishing Mike Moser shot when there was only 0.6 second remaining, and firmly improved the chances of taking the first spot during the regular LKL season.^[42] On 13 April 2015, Rytas defeated Neptūnas 84–75 for the third time, reaching the 16th straight victory in LKL, and guarantying at least second spot in the regular LKL season.^[43] The winning streak ended on the final day of the regular season, with a tough 81–82 loss to Žalgiris.^[44] With the loss, Rytas entered the playoffs as the second seed team. Though, the game referees decisions left doubtful impressions, which sparked many discussions. Consequently, Rytas requested LKL to hire foreign-born referees during the semi-finals and the grand finals to completely guarantee referees impartiality.^[45] Although, their request was rejected by the majority of the LKL clubs.^[46]

Rytas began the LKL playoffs by smashing Šiauliai 3–0 in the series (97–69,^[47] 96–107^[48] and 96–92^[49]), in spite of all their militant efforts, especially shown by the upcoming Rytas member Rokas Giedraitis.^[50] The LKL semi-finals began much more difficultly for Lietuvos rytas, overcoming Neptūnas only during the final game minutes 88–79.^[51] Though, they later lost 101–107 in Klaipėda after OT and the semi-final series tied at 1–1.^[52] Rytas successfully reached a revenge 96–89 two days later in Vilnius.^[53] Crucial game in Klaipėda began remarkably positively for Rytas, who once even had 29 points lead. Though, Neptūnas performed their last assault and almost tied the game at the end. Still it wasn't powerful enough assault as Rytas won the game by 5 points and eliminated Neptūnas 3–1, qualifying into the LKL grand-final after one-year break.^[54]

Lietuvos rytas began LKL finals with a close defeat of 66–73 to Žalgiris.^[55] Antanas Kavaliauskas dominated in the first half with total of 17 points, Kšyštof Lavrinovič did the same in the second half with 17 points as well, though the team failed to receive solid support from the team captain Martynas Gecevičius (4 points, 0/5 three-pointers) and one of the key players Gediminas Orelik (2 points, 1/6 field goals).^[56] During second game, Rytas suffered desperate defeat 62–78 in Vilnius. All-season team's leaders: Gecevičius, Kavaliauskas and Orelik together scored only 13 points.^[57] Then Žalgiris won two more games: 71–68 after OT and 77–85.^[58][59] Rytas was crushed 0–4 in the finals once again. Despite the victories in the regular season and 2–3 LKL semi-final result last season, their most recent victory versus Žalgiris in the LKL finals was achieved only back in 2011.

2015–16: Second straight EuroCup season

On 5 July 2015 Lietuvos rytas president Gedvydas Vainauskas admitted that the tickets prices and the move to the 2500 seats arena during the primary games were failure and said that the club is seeking to return the lost positions in the near future.^[62] Following the agreement with the Siemens Arena, the club once again played their most important games there.^[63] The deal with the arena owners was signed till 2020.^[64] Despite all the Rytas efforts and ULEB promises to LKL, the club did not received a wild card to the tournament and had to play in the second-tier league Eurocup for a second straight season.^[65][66]

Rytas early began signings with the new team members. First of all, all the foreigners left the team: Billy Baron, Mike Moser, Travis Leslie. Though, Marcelo Nicola remained as the head coach of the team, despite the disastrous LKL finals.^[67] Then one of the CSU Asesoft Ploiești leaders Marius Runkauskas replaced Martynas Gecevičius.^[68] Club president later in an interview told that the contract extension with a team leader, who scores only 10 points per 4 final games, is not possible.^[69] Unlike Gecevičius, another Rytas leader Antanas Kavaliauskas signed a new three-years deal.^[70] Rytas also signed with Deividas Gailius, who was Neptūnas team leader and had a solid Euroleague season.^[71] As a result, Simas Jasaitis had to leave the team. Later Rytas surprisingly signed with Artūras Gudaitis by paying buyout, who was a member of the principal opponents Žalgiris, and was recently drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers.^[72] Team roster was also strengthened with one of the most talented young Lithuanians, Rokas Giedraitis, who had signed a four-year deal with the club.^[73] Furthermore, one of the Šiauliai leaders Julius Jucikas replaced Artūras Valeika.^[74] Seven Lietuvos rytas players were invited to the Lithuania men's national basketball team training camp.^[75] Argentina national basketball team member Nicolás Laprovíttola became Rytas roster final piece in the summer of 2015.^[76] On 19 August, first training camp was held.^[77][78][79] On 4 September, Krasta Auto (authorized BMW dealer in Lithuania) became one of the club sponsors, giving 14 brand-new cars for the club members and replacing the former vehicles sponsor Škoda.^[80][81] The agreement was signed for 3 years. On 23 September 2015, Kavaliauskas was chosen captain of the team.^[82]

Rytas positively began the pre-season by winning a friendly tournament in Alytus and then the Vladas Garastas Cup, where they defeated the Euroleague participant BC Khimki in the final 85–84.^[83][84] Rytas also started the LKL in dominating fashion.

The returning to the Siemens Arena game, which started the 2015–16 Eurocup season, ended with a vexatious 87–91 defeat to Beşiktaş J.K.^[85] The team then crushed Szolnoki Olaj KK 65–89. After a loss to BC Žalgiris 70:79, the problems began. After shocking losses to BC Avtodor Saratov 81:97 and BC Zenit Saint Petersburg 65:70 at home in the Eurocup, the team was even booed of the court. Rytas also lost to PAOK B.C. 76:81, and rumors started off about conflicts between coach Nicola and the team. Due to the hopeless shape of the team, Marcelo Nicola was fired, with rumors that he will be replaced by Tomas Pačėsas.^[86] Under current coach Aurimas Jasilionis, however, the team played the best match in the season - a thrilling 103–92 win over Beşiktaş J.K in Istanbul. A few days later, despite improved play, Rytas lost to BC Žalgiris again - 68–82 - in the Siemens Arena. The poor form of the team was quickly recalled when Rytas lost another Eurocup home game, this time to the Szolnoki Olaj KK 98–99. Another disastrous performance happened in Saratov - Rytas lost to BC Avtodor Saratov 92:109, with only minimal hope for qualification for the LAST-32 stage in the Eurocup. After the loss, coach Jasilionis was replaced by longtime assistant coach Arvydas Gronskis. After another loss, this time to BC Zenit Saint Petersburg 84–92, Rytas lost all hope to qualify to the LAST-32 stage. In the final game, Rytas lost to PAOK B.C. 81:88 at home, finishing with a 2-8 record. After the Eurocup fiasco, coach Gronskis was sent to the reserve team Perlas Vilnius again, and Tomas Pačėsas became the new head coach of the team. The team, under a firm arm of Pačėsas, finished the year with a three straight victories.^[87] On 31 December 2015, Nicolás Laprovíttola left the team.^[88] On 10 January, Julius Jucikas was traded to Dzūkija Alytus for Adam Łapeta.^[89] On 17 January, Rytas achieved the season's first victory versus Žalgiris 78–72.^[90] On 19–21 February, Rytas competed in the newly formed Karaliaus Mindaugo taurė tournament. After defeating Lietkabelis Panevėžys in the quarter-final 88–82, Neptūnas Klaipėda in the semi-final 79–97 and Žalgiris Kaunas in the final 57–67, the team won their first trophy following a five seasons drought.^[91] Antanas Kavaliauskas was named MVP.^[92] On March 29, Rytas signed a three-years contract with the Euroleague Basketball Company and will compete in its organized tournaments.^[93]

The rest of the season, however, was a complete fiasco. After losing to Žalgiris in the final regular season game, Rytas had difficulty in a victorious sweep against Lietkabelis Panevėžys in the quarterfinal stage. In the semifinals, the problems became clear - in the first match at Siemens Arena, Rytas lost to Neptūnas 71–83.^[94] After a loss at Klaipėda 68–70, Rytas was down 0–2, though managed to win the next two games 66–64 and 74–73, setting a deciding fifth game at the Siemens Arena.^[95][96][97] Rytas lost 72–73 and lost the series 2–3, suffering the biggest fiasco in club history.^[98] This was also the first time that Rytas was eliminated in the LKL by another team, instead of Žalgiris. The disappointing season ending was finished by winning LKL bronze medals series 3–0 versus the Juventus Utena.^[99]

2016–17: Third straight EuroCup season

The signings of the new season began by contract extensions with Artūras Jomantas and Artūras Gudaitis, who decided to stay in the club.^[100][101] Following it, Rytas signed David Logan, who had been an Euroleague star under the command of Tomas Pačėsas.^[102] On July 23, the front line was strengthened by athletic Kenny Kadji.^[103] On July 27, Adam Łapeta signed a new two-year contract.^[104] During the summer, team captain Kavaliauskas reportedly had disputes with the team management concerning pay. Soon it was announced that Kavaliauskas would probably not return for the next season, leading to Kavaliauskas deleting the infamous "Loyalty.." message he wrote about Lietuvos Rytas last summer. In August, in a move that shocked fans from both teams alike, Kavaliauskas left the team and signed with Žalgiris Kaunas.^[105] On August 30, Drew Gordon was signed.^[106] On October 1, Rashaun Broadus signed a trial deal.^[107] On October 2, Kadji was released after failing to adapt to the team and playing just three games.^[108] On November 22, one of the Nigerian Olympic national team leaders Josh Akognon was signed as primary point guard.^[109] On December 9, Broadus was fired.^[110] On December 28, Clevin Hannah joined the team, along with Laimonas Kisielius.^[111] On January 21, Akognon left the team.^[112] Lietuvos rytas qualified to the Eurocup Top16 phase with a 3-5 record, in large part due to incredible efforts from Drew Gordon, David Logan and the rising Artūras Gudaitis. Many troubles started before the start of the Top16, as Gudaitis and Gailius suffered injuries. Rytas lost a very close game to Hapoel Jerusalem at the start in Vilnius, losing 76:80 in a game Rytas led by as much as 20 points, with the fans and coaching staff blaming the referees after the game. In the second round, Rytas lost to BC Zenit Saint Petersburg 79:88 in an away game, though fought hard and erased a bigger deficit before the end. In the next two weeks, Rytas faced BC Nizhny Novgorod, blowing out their opponents both times - 97:63 away, and 99:73 at home, with chances to reach the playoffs returning. After a tough game, and a loss, to Hapoel in Jerusalem 77:84, Rytas faced Zenit at home - David Logan scored 28 points in the deciding game, with Rytas winning 86:84, but just narrowly missing the playoffs, as Zenit won the first game by 9 points. After the failure to progress into the EuroCup Playoffs club announced addition of guard Jimmy Baron from local rivals Neptūnas.^[113][114] On February 10, Tomas Pačėsas decided to leave the club and was replaced by Rimas Kurtinaitis, who coached Rytas to most of its titles previously.^[115] The coaching change, however, did not save Rytas from one of the most shocking losses in the season – in the first round of the King Mindaugas Cup, Rytas, the defending champion, lost to BC Juventus 84:87. The loss also became the last game of David Logan, who after weeks of rumors left to sign with Sidigas Avellino. On 25 February, club signed a contract with forward Taylor Brown from the Polish Basketball League.^[116] In the LKL, with coach Pačėsas, the team fell to third place for much of the season, only getting second place by the last weeks in the regular season under coach Kurtinaitis. Rytas split the season series with new rivals BC Neptūnas, and with the rising BC Lietkabelis team. Against Žalgiris, however, this was not the case - Žalgiris swept the season series in a decisive manner. In the LKL playoffs, Rytas faced, and swept BC Pieno žvaigždės in the quaterfinals 3:0. In the semifinal, Rytas faced Lietkabelis - in the regular season, both teams won at home, and fought for the second place and home court advantage, which Rytas won at the last game in Vilnius 92:60. Considered a fovorite, Rytas won the first game 96:85 in Vilnius, a game with many conflicts between both teams, in particular Drew Gordon and Lietkabelis forward Žygimantas Skučas.^[117][118] In the second game, Rytas lost in Panevėžys 73:90.^[119] With the series tied at 1:1, Rytas was the favorite heading in the third game in Vilnius - Lietkabelis had never won in Vilnius before. However, a shock happened - Rytas lost 73:81, and was down 1:2 in the series.^[120] Heading to Panevėžys, internal teams arose with the team in regards with discipline violations by Taylor Brown, Corey Fisher and Clevin Hannah, though no actions were taken by the team until after the series - the three players, along with Drew Gordon, were suspended for the rest of the season.^[121][122] All of them were denying the fact but the incontestable pictures were published, which shattered all the doubts.^[123] In Panevėžys, Rytas lost 77:86 and lost the series 1:3.^[124] This fiasco also meant that Rytas didn't qualify for the LKL finals for the second time in a row - first time in history this has happened. In the bronze medal series, Rytas faced BC Neptūnas, who was now considered the favorite due to problems internally in Rytas. Rytas started the series with a 79:60 win in Vilnius, to shut up all critics.^[125] After losing in Klaipėda 70:83, Rytas won the third game in Vilnius 71:54, again taking a series lead.^[126][127] The last two games were thrillers - lead by Chris Lofton, Neptūnas tied the series in Klaipėda at 2:2 apiece with a 70:65 win, leading to a decisive Game 5 in the next few days.^[128] Led by Gailius and Baron, former Neptūnas players who hit many clutch baskets in the deciding minutes, Rytas won the game 74:66 and the series 3:2, ending the season with a bit more positive note and avenging the 2016 loss to Neptūnas.^[129] The season ended with international scandal for the team, however, as club president Gedvydas Vainauskas made a controversial statement about black players of the team who severely behaved unprofessionally (saying no more than 2 players should play in the team and that more are like a gang), drawing negative attention to the team all over the world.^{[130][131][132][133][134]}

New owners era (2017–present)

On June 19, 2017, famous poker player, businessman and European Parliament member Antanas Guoga bought major stake of the club (2/4) from Sigitas Židonis and Remigijus Kazilionis.^{[135][136][137]} Two remaining stake owners Darius Gudelis and Vilnius City Municipality retained their rights to the club (1/4 each).^[138] On June 20, 2017, Gedvydas Vainauskas resigned from the Rytas president post following 20 years of operation since the founding of the club in 1997 just a week after receiving award from LKL president Remigijus Milašius for merits to basketball.^[139][140] Shortly after becoming new owner of the club, Guoga sparked discussions about changing the club's name and invited the public to offer their ideas since the team no longer have connections with the Vainauskas' newspaper Lietuvos rytas.^[141] The idea was strictly criticised by the club's elite fans group B Tribūna (Rytas Ultras), who told that the only team they will support is black-white-red Rytas.^[142][143] On June 21, 2017, the new owners organized a meeting, during which first changes were made: public institution Krepšinio rytas was renamed to Statyba in order to remember the historical BC Statyba, Darius Gudelis replaced Martynas Purlys in the club's director position and it was decided that the club's name Lietuvos rytas will be changed in not longer than 1 year term with the most likely but not yet final choice being Rytas.^[144][145] Guoga also told media that it is very likely that at least two Lithuanian basketball stars will participate in the team activities, bearing in mind Jonas Valančiūnas, Linas Kleiza and Arvydas Macijauskas.^[146] On July 4, 2017, Gudelis announced that former assistant coach Alberto Blanco and Linas Kleiza are joining the club, whose first task will be assisting Rimas Kurtinaitis to bring together new roster of the team.^[147] On July 13, 2017, press conference was held during which it was announced that Kleiza also became shareholder of the club by receiving part of the Guoga's stake, was named vice-president of the club and will also act as sports director.^{[148][149][150]} Limited liability company Norvelita and Perlas also became shareholders of the club.^[151]

2017–18: Fourth straight EuroCup season

On June 14, 2017, it was announced that Rytas received a wild card to the 2017–18 EuroCup season.^[152] On June 17, 2017, Rytas quickly signed with first addition to the club for the upcoming season - former Lietkabelis leader Ben Madgen.^[153] Rimas Kurtinaitis also remained on as head coach.^[154] On July 11, 2017, famous Lithuanian masseur Juozas Petkevičius returned to the team.^[155] After launching ticket sales for the upcoming season, the team has sold 1800 season tickets in less than 24 hours.^[156] On July 19, 2017, Rytas signed veteran Mindaugas Lukauskis for his 9th season as the club member.^[157] On the following day, Travis Peterson was signed and Kurtinaitis also confirmed that the team has reached an agreement with Chris Kramer.^[158][159] On July 22, 2017, Chris Kramer and Marc Antonio Carter officially joined the team.^[160] On July 28, 2017, Mindaugas Brazys joined the coaching staff.^[161]

De facto BC Lietuvos rytas anthem

	"Laikas būti pirmiems" De facto BC Lietuvos rytas club anthem
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Marijonas Mikutavičius, the creator of de facto Lithuania Olympics Team song – Trys Milijonai, also created a special song to the BC Lietuvos rytas team, following its success in LKL and the very first steps in the prestigious Euroleague. The song is called "Laikas būti pirmiems" (English: Time To Be First) and is widely regarded as the club's anthem. To this day it is still played after the successful club's games or just at the time-outs during the home games.

Players

Current roster

Lietuvos rytas roster
Players	Coaches
Pos. # Nat. Name Ht. Wt. Age 1.0 !PG 2 LTU ! Normantas, Margiris 7000193000000000000♠1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) 7001910000000000000♠91 kg (201 lb) 7001200000000000000♠20 – (1996-10-27)27 October 1996 4.5 !F/C 7 LTU ! Gudaitis, Artūras 7000208000000000000♠2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 7002115000000000000♠115 kg (254 lb) 7001240000000000000♠24 – (1993-06-19)19 June 1993 5.0 !C 16 POL ! Łapeta, Adam 7000217000000000000♠2.17 m (7 ft 1 in) 7002129000000000000♠129 kg (284 lb) 7001290000000000000♠29 – (1987-11-09)9 November 1987 1.5 !G 20 USA ! Baron, Jimmy 7000191000000000000♠1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) 7001890000000000000♠89 kg (196 lb) 7001310000000000000♠31 – (1986-05-23)23 May 1986 3.5 !F 21 LTU ! Jomantas, Artūras (C) 7000200000000000000♠2.00 m (6 ft 7 in) 7001930000000000000♠93 kg (205 lb) 7001320000000000000♠32 – (1985-05-04)4 May 1985 2.5 !G/F 31 LTU ! Giedraitis, Rokas 7000198000000000000♠1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 7001810000000000000♠81 kg (179 lb) 7001240000000000000♠24 – (1992-08-16)16 August 1992 2.0 !SG AUS ! Madgen, Ben 7000193000000000000♠1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) 7001830000000000000♠83 kg (183 lb) 7001320000000000000♠32 – (1985-02-07)7 February 1985 4.0 !PF USA ! Peterson, Travis 7000208000000000000♠2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) 7002102000000000000♠102 kg (225 lb) 7001320000000000000♠32 – (1985-05-18)18 May 1985 2.5 !G/F LTU ! Lukauskis, Mindaugas 7000198000000000000♠1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) 7001900000000000000♠90 kg (198 lb) 7001380000000000000♠38 – (1979-05-19)19 May 1979 1.0 !PG USA ! Kramer, Chris 7000191000000000000♠1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) 7001980000000000000♠98 kg (216 lb) 7001290000000000000♠29 – (1988-04-04)4 April 1988 1.0 !PG USA ! Carter, Marc Antonio 7000192000000000000♠1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) 7001950000000000000♠95 kg (209 lb) 7001320000000000000♠32 – (1985-05-22)22 May 1985 4.5 !F/C USA ! Carter, Robert 7000206000000000000♠2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) 7002114000000000000♠114 kg (251 lb) 7001230000000000000♠23 – (1994-04-04)4 April 1994	Head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis Assistant coach(es) Nikola Vasilev Alberto Blanco Mindaugas Brazys Athletic trainer(s) Evaldas Kandratavičius Doctor Mantas Ambraška Physiotherapist(s) Juozas Petkevičius Legend (C) Team captain Injured Roster Updated: May 26, 2017

Depth chart

Pos.	Starting 5	Bench 1	Bench 2
C	Artūras Gudaitis	Adam Łapeta
PF	Robert Carter	Travis Peterson
SF	Mindaugas Lukauskis	Rokas Giedraitis	Artūras Jomantas
SG	Ben Madgen	Jimmy Baron
PG	Chris Kramer	Marc Carter	Margiris Normantas

Squad changes for/during the 2017/18 season

Note: exact date is listed for players who joined or left during season.

In

No. Position Player SG Ben Madgen (from BC Lietkabelis) PF Travis Peterson (from Hapoel Jerusalem B.C.) SF Mindaugas Lukauskis (from BC Lietkabelis) PG Chris Kramer (from EWE Baskets Oldenburg) PG Marc Carter (from Stal Ostrów Wielkopolski) PF Robert Carter (from Enel Brindisi)

Out

No. Position Player 0 PG Corey Fisher (to CB Miraflores) 11 PG Clevin Hannah (to CB Murcia) 27 C Julius Jucikas (to BK Ventspils) 3 F Taylor Brown (to) 32 PF Drew Gordon (to Zenit Saint Petersburg) 10 SF Laimonas Kisielius (to Neptūnas) 13 SF Deividas Gailius (to CB Miraflores)

Out on loan

No. Position Player

Honours

Total titles: 14

Domestic competitions

• Lithuanian Championship
  • Winners (5): 2000, 2002, 2006, 2009, 2010
• Lithuanian Cup
  • Winners (3): 1998, 2009, 2010
• King Mindaugas Cup
  • Winners (1): 2016

European competitions

• EuroCup
  • Winners (2): 2005, 2009
  • Runners-up (1): 2007
• Small Triple Crown (unofficial)
  • Winners (1): 2009

Regional competitions

• North European Basketball League
  • Winners (1): 2002
  • Runners-up (1): 2000
• Baltic Basketball League
  • Winners (3): 2006, 2007, 2009

Preseason competitions

• 1 BBL Presidents Cup: 2008

Season by season

Season	LKL	LKF Cup KMT Cup	Regional Competitions	Europe	Roster For more detailed information see Former Lietuvos rytas rosters	Head Coach
1997–98	3rd place	Champion	–	Korać Cup Top 32	Marius Janišius, Arnas Kazlauskas, Egidijus Mikalajūnas, Aurimas Palšis, Martynas Purlys, Virginijus Sirvydis, Rolandas Skaisgirys, Gintaras Stulga, Andrius Šakalys, Andrius Šležas, Rolandas Vaičiūnas	Paulauskas, Vainauskas
1998–99	Finalist	–	NEBL 3rd place	Saporta Cup Top 32	Darius Dimavičius, Andrius Giedraitis, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Arnas Kazlauskas, Kęstutis Kemzūra, Rimas Kurtinaitis, Egidijus Mikalajūnas, Makhtar N'Diaye, Aurimas Palšis, Martynas Purlys, Roman Safronov, Virginijus Sirvydis, Ramūnas Šiškauskas, Singaras Tribė, Andrius Vyšniauskas	Vainauskas, Sakalauskas
1999–00	Champion	–	NEBL Finalist	Saporta Cup Semifinalist	Giedrius Aidietis, Mantas Česnauskis, Valerij Četovič, Eric Elliot, Andrius Giedraitis, Rolandas Jarutis, Robertas Javtokas, Gintaras Kadžiulis, Arnas Kazlauskas, Arvydas Macijauskas, Oleksandr Okunsky, Mlađan Šilobad, Ramūnas Šiškauskas, Andrius Šležas, Andrius Vyšniauskas	Vainauskas, Sakalauskas
2000–01	Finalist	–	NEBL 3rd place	Suproleague Top 16	Valerij Četovič, Eric Elliot, Andrius Giedraitis, Greg Grant, Rolandas Jarutis, Artūras Javtokas, Robertas Javtokas, Gintaras Kadžiulis, Arnas Kazlauskas, Arvydas Macijauskas, Ramūnas Šiškauskas, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Andrius Šležas	Sakalauskas, Vainauskas
2001–02	Champion	–	NEBL Champion	Saporta Cup Quarterfinalist	Vedran Bosnić, Mantas Česnauskis, Simas Jasaitis, Artūras Javtokas, Robertas Javtokas, Walsh Jordan, Rimantas Kaukėnas, Aivaras Kiaušas, Arvydas Macijauskas, Kęstutis Marčiulionis, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Ramūnas Šiškauskas, Andrius Šležas, Andrius Vyšniauskas	Vainauskas, Kazlauskas
2002–03	Finalist	–	NEBL Finalist	Champions Cup Group stage	Povilas Čukinas, Tomas Delininkaitis, Simas Jasaitis, Artūras Javtokas, Aaron Lucas, Aivaras Kiaušas, Vladimir Krstić, Arvydas Macijauskas, Oleksandr Okunsky, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Ramūnas Šiškauskas, Andrius Šležas, Steve Woodberry	Kazlauskas
2003–04	Finalist	–	–	ULEB Cup Quarterfinalist	Steponas Babrauskas, Povilas Čukinas, Tomas Delininkaitis, Miljan Goljović, Simas Jasaitis, Robertas Javtokas, Saulius Kuzminskas, Aaron Lucas, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Dickey Simpkins, Ramūnas Šiškauskas, Andrius Šležas	Kazlauskas, Kemzūra
2004–05	Finalist	–	BBL Elite Division Finalist	ULEB Cup Champion	Povilas Čukinas, Tomas Delininkaitis, Gintaras Einikis, Fred House, Rolandas Jarutis, Simas Jasaitis, Robertas Javtokas, Saulius Kuzminskas, Aaron Lucas, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Haris Mujezinović, Tyrone Nesby, Kęstutis Šeštokas, Andrius Šležas, Roberts Štelmahers	Đurović, Mahorič
2005–06	Champion	–	BBL Elite Division Champion	Euroleague Top 16	Steponas Babrauskas, Maurice Baker, Sandis Buškevics, Povilas Čukinas, Tomas Delininkaitis, Ernestas Ežerskis, Fred House, Simas Jasaitis, Robertas Javtokas, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Haris Mujezinović, Matthew Nielsen, Ivan Tomas, Andrius Šležas, Roberts Štelmahers	Spahija
2006–07	Finalist	Finalist	BBL Elite Division Champion	ULEB Cup Finalist	J. P. Batista, Jānis Blūms, Tomas Delininkaitis, Andre Emmett, Martynas Gecevičius, Titus Ivory, Artūras Jomantas, Evaldas Kairys, Ivan Koljević, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Matthew Nielsen, Darius Pakamanis, Marijonas Petravičius, Kareem Rush, Andrius Šležas, Roberts Štelmahers, Eurelijus Žukauskas	Drucker, Sagadin, Trifunović
2007–08	Finalist	Finalist	BBL Elite Division Finalist	Euroleague Top 16	Michailas Anisimovas, Kenan Bajramović, J. P. Batista, Lukas Brazdauskis, Simas Buterlevičius, Chuck Eidson, Martynas Gecevičius, Artūras Jomantas, Jared Jordan, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Darrel Mitchell, Matthew Nielsen, Marijonas Petravičius, Hollis Price, Jackson Vroman, Andrius Šležas, Roberts Štelmahers	Trifunović
2008–09	Champion	Champion	BBL Elite Division Champion	Eurocup Champion	Michailas Anisimovas, Steponas Babrauskas, Milko Bjelica, Lukas Brazdauskis, Simas Buterlevičius, Evaldas Dainys, Chuck Eidson, Martynas Gecevičius, Artūras Jomantas, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Branko Milisavljević, Matthew Nielsen, Marijonas Petravičius, Marius Prekevičius, Justas Sinica, Tautvydas Šležas, Donatas Zavackas	Sireika, Kurtinaitis
2009–10	Champion	Champion	BBL Elite Division Finalist	Euroleague Group stage	Steponas Babrauskas, Kenan Bajramović, Aron Baynes, Milko Bjelica, Dejan Borovnjak, Lukas Brazdauskis, Simas Buterlevičius, Evaldas Dainys, Martynas Gecevičius, Vidas Ginevičius, Artūras Jomantas, Igor Milošević, Bojan Popović, Justas Sinica, Jonas Valančiūnas, Donatas Zavackas	Kurtinaitis
2010–11	Finalist	Finalist	BBL Elite Division 3rd place	Euroleague Top 16	Steponas Babrauskas, Kenan Bajramović, Petras Baločka, Milko Bjelica, Simas Buterlevičius, Khalid El-Amin, Martynas Gecevičius, Simas Jasaitis, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Jerry Johnson, Artūras Jomantas, Žydrūnas Kelys, Igor Milošević, Cemal Nalga, Brad Newley, Karolis Petrukonis, Aleksandar Rašić, D. J. Strawberry, Arvydas Šikšnius, Jonas Valančiūnas	Anzulović, Trifunović, Maskoliūnas
			VTB Group Stage
2011–12	Finalist	–	BBL Elite Division Finalist	Euroleague qualifying Finalist	Steponas Babrauskas, Paulius Dambrauskas, Vilmantas Dilys, Goran Jeretin, Artūras Jomantas, Mindaugas Katelynas, Brad Newley, Aleksandar Rašić, Dovydas Redikas, Tyrese Rice, Lawrence Roberts, Predrag Samardžiski, Renaldas Seibutis, Jonas Valančiūnas	Džikić
			VTB 3rd place	Eurocup 3rd place
2012–13	Finalist	–	VTB Group Stage	Euroleague Group Stage	Steponas Babrauskas, Eimantas Bendžius, Jānis Blūms, Simas Buterlevičius, Vilmantas Dilys, Deividas Dulkys, Dejan Ivanov, Artūras Jomantas, Mindaugas Katelynas, Tautvydas Lydeka, Nemanja Nedović, Patrick O'Bryant, Milt Palacio, Leon Radošević, Dovydas Redikas, Predrag Samardžiski, Renaldas Seibutis, Tomislav Zubčić	Džikić, Maskoliūnas, Bauermann
2013–14	3rd place	Finalist	VTB Semi-finals	Qualified For Euroleague	Steponas Babrauskas, Eimantas Bendžius, Omar Cook, Paulius Dambrauskas, Zabian Dowdell, Deividas Dulkys, Martynas Gecevičius, Andreas Glyniadakis, Stevan Jelovac, Antanas Kavaliauskas, Tautvydas Lydeka, Gediminas Orelik, Juan Palacios, Dovydas Redikas, Renaldas Seibutis, Darius Songaila, Edvinas Šeškus, Milenko Tepić	Bauermann, Petrović, Adomaitis
				Euroleague Group Stage
				Eurocup Eighth-finals
2014–15	Finalist	Finalist	–	Eurocup Eighth-finals	Travis Leslie, Simas Jasaitis, Adas Juškevičius, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Billy Baron, Artūras Valeika, Kšyštof Lavrinovič, Martynas Gecevičius, Gediminas Orelikas, Žygimantas Janavičius, Antanas Kavaliauskas, Mike Moser	Šeškus, Nicola
2015–16	3rd place	Champion	–	Eurocup Group Stage	Adam Łapeta, Antanas Kavaliauskas, Gediminas Orelik, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Kendrick Brown, Artūras Gudaitis, Kšyštof Lavrinovič, Deividas Gailius, Adas Juškevičius, Denys Lukashov, Artūras Jomantas, Marius Runkauskas	Nicola, Jasilionis, Gronskis, Pačėsas
2016–17	3rd place	Quarter-finalist	–	Eurocup Group Stage	Artūras Gudaitis, David Logan, Drew Gordon, Kenny Kadji, Margiris Normantas, Taylor Brown, Clevin Hannah, Corey Fisher, Laimonas Kisielius, Deividas Gailius, Adam Łapeta, Lukas Kvedaravičius, Jimmy Baron, Artūras Jomantas, Deividas Sirvydis, Arnas Beručka, Julius Jucikas, Rokas Giedraitis, Domantas Vilys	Pačėsas, Kurtinaitis

Detailed information of former rosters and results.^{[162][163][164][165]}

Team records in LKL

Statistic	Record	Opponent	Result	Date	Venue
Points	134	Alytus	134:76	000000002008-10-26-000026 October 2008	Lietuvos rytas Arena
Rebounds	54	Aukštaitija	52:98	000000002003-10-11-000011 October 2003
Assists	37	Prienai TonyBet	102:65	000000002014-06-11-000011 June 2014	Siemens Arena
Steals	25	Nevėžis	92:40	000000002009-10-11-000011 October 2009	Lietuvos rytas Arena
Blocks	9	Olimpas	81:91	000000001997-10-30-000030 October 1997
2-pointers made	43	Sakalai	112:67	000000002008-03-09-00009 March 2008	Lietuvos rytas Arena
2-pointers %	86.67 %	Neptūnas	132:80	000000002003-02-14-000014 February 2003
3-pointers made	19	Juventus	108:61	000000002010-04-19-000019 April 2010	Lietuvos rytas Arena
3-pointers %	78.57%	Sakalai	73:91	000000001999-09-17-000017 September 1999
Free throws made	37	Alita	110:102	000000001998-03-05-00005 March 1998
Free throws %	100 %	Prienai	59:84	000000002015-02-08-00008 February 2015	Prienai Arena

Last updated: 2015-05-20.^[166]

Important people and venues

Venues

Seasons used	Venue	Capacity	Notes
1997–1998	Ekinsta Sports Hall	1,000
1998–2004	Lietuvos rytas Sports Arena (Olimpiečių street)	2,000 3,500	At first capacity of 2,000, later expanded to 3,500.
2004–present	Siemens Arena	11,000	Used for all Euroleague/Eurocup/VTB games and some LKL games
2004–present	Lietuvos rytas Arena	1,700 2,500	At first capacity of 1,700, later expanded to 2,500 Used for most LKL games and practices.

Notable players

In Statyba

In Lietuvos rytas

To appear in this section a player must be either:

• A player who has played at least 3 seasons (if foreign player) or 4 seasons (if Lithuanian player) for the club.
• A player who has won individual award.
• A Lithuanian player who has played for the Lithuanian national basketball team.
• A foreign international player who had significant impact (was a leader) in the club.

Notable coaches

The following head coaches won at least one major trophy when in charge of Rytas:

Name	Period	Trophies
Alfredas Vainauskas	1997–2001	LKF Cup
Šarūnas Sakalauskas	1998–2001	Lithuanian Basketball League
Jonas Kazlauskas	2001–2004	Lithuanian Basketball League, North European Basketball League
Tomo Mahorić	2005	ULEB Cup
Neven Spahija	2005–2006	Lithuanian Basketball League, Baltic Basketball League
Aleksandar Trifunović	2007–2008 2010–2011	Baltic Basketball League
Rimas Kurtinaitis	2008–2010 2017–present	2 Lithuanian Basketball Leagues, 2 LKF Cups, Baltic Basketball League, ULEB Eurocup
Tomas Pačėsas	2016–2017	1 King Mindaugas Cup

Statistical leaders

All time points per game in European Cup games (PPG)

Only players with significant amount of games played or points scored. ^‡

Position	Player	Seasons ‡	Games	Points Total	Points Per Game
1	Ramūnas Šiškauskas	6	75	1068	14.2
2	Arvydas Macijauskas	4	66	978	14.8
3	Martynas Gecevičius	7	92	875	9.5
4	Andrius Šležas	10	141	867	6.1
5	Robertas Javtokas	6	89	855	9.6
6	Andrius Giedraitis	3	45	758	16.8
7	Mindaugas Lukauskis	8	114	724	6.4
8	Artūras Jomantas	8	105	645	6.1
9	Renaldas Seibutis	3	44	590	13.4
10	Simas Jasaitis	7	77	575	7.5
11	Eric Elliott	2	39	573	14.7
12	Marijonas Petravičius	3	47	523	11.1
13	Matthew Nielsen	3	46	498	10.8
14	Steponas Babrauskas	7	86	473	5.5
15	Kęstutis Šeštokas	4	58	472	8.1

Last updated: 2016-12-07.

Individual awards

EuroLeague

EuroLeague MVP of the Week Season Week Player PIR Opponent 2005–06 6 Haris Mujezinović 36 Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C. 2007–08 2 Artūras Jomantas 29 Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C. 2010–11 12 Khalid El-Amin 29 Caja Laboral EuroLeague MVP of the Month Season Month Player 2009–10 October Bojan Popović

50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors Chosen: Šarūnas Jasikevičius Nominated: Artūras Karnišovas (Statyba) Rimas Kurtinaitis EuroLeague Basketball 2001–10 All-Decade Team Šarūnas Jasikevičius Ramūnas Šiškauskas EuroLeague Assists leaders Omar Cook currently is Euroleague's all-time leader in average assists per game.

EuroCup

EuroCup MVP of the Week Season Week Player PIR Opponent 2003–04 13 Robertas Javtokas 24 Hapoel Jerusalem B.C. 2003–04 14 Robertas Javtokas 35 Hapoel Jerusalem B.C. 2004–05 6 Fred House 50 Śląsk Wrocław 2008–09 9 Chuck Eidson 37 Artland Dragons 2014–15 13 Martynas Gecevičius 38 Sevilla 2015–16 6 Kšyštof Lavrinovič 36 Beşiktaş Sompo Japan 2016–17 13 David Logan 38 Nizhny Novgorod EuroCup Performance Index Rating Leaders Chuck Eidson 21.27 (in 15 games) (2008–09) Best EuroCup Coach of All Time Rimas Kurtinaitis [167]

EuroCup Basketball Awards Season Player Award 2004–05 Robertas Javtokas ULEB Cup Finals MVP 2008–09 Chuck Eidson EuroCup MVP 2008–09 Chuck Eidson All-EuroCup First Team 2008–09 Marijonas Petravičius EuroCup Finals MVP 2011–12 Renaldas Seibutis All-EuroCup First Team 2011–12 Jonas Valančiūnas All-EuroCup First Team 2011–12 Jonas Valančiūnas EuroCup Rising Star

Lithuanian Basketball League LKL Finals MVP Arvydas Macijauskas (2002, 2003) Andrius Šležas (2006) Chuck Eidson (2009) Martynas Gecevičius (2010) Slam Dunk Contest Champions Robertas Javtokas (2000, 2001) Aaron Lucas (2003) Aron Baynes (2010) Travis Leslie (2015) Three-point Shootout Champions Arvydas Macijauskas (2000, 2002, 2003)

Baltic Basketball League Final Four MVP Kareem Rush (2007) Chuck Eidson (2009) NEBL Finals MVP Arvydas Macijauskas (2002) FIBA FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991) Šarūnas Marčiulionis (Statyba) FIBA Europe Young Men's Player of the Year Award Jonas Valančiūnas (2011, 2012)

Matches against NBA teams

21 October 2008

Boxscore

Golden State Warriors

126–106

Lietuvos rytas Vilnius

Oracle Arena, Oakland, CA

Sponsorships and partners

As of January 2014:

Lietuvos rytas Vilnius city municipality Švyturys Pieno žvaigždės (Svalia) Radiocentras Lithuanian Railways Omnitel

Inter RAO Lithuania Krasta Auto (partner of BMW in Lithuania) Adidas Geonafta (part of Lotos Group) Lietuvos draudimas (part of RSA Insurance Group) DOJUS agro (partner of Deere & Company) TP Engineering (owned by Tony G) TonyBet (owned by Tony G)

Norfa ARVI Ozas Akropolis Audimas Olifėja LitCon Norvelita

Video game

Lietuvos rytas basketball club was featured in the NBA 2K15 video game.^[168]

References

1. ↑ "Guoga apie konkurenciją „Žalgiriui“: „Mūsų biudžetas turi siekti apie 10 mln. eurų“". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 22 June 2017. 
2. ↑ Statyba history, bcstatyba.lt (in Lithuanian)
3. ↑ Lietuvos rytas Euroleague page, euroleague.net, accessed 31 December 2010. (in English)
4. ↑ Jonas Vainauskas about beginnings of Lietuvos rytas, krepsinis.net (in Lithuanian)
5. ↑ Javtokas injured, delfi.lt (in Lithuanian)
6. ↑ Fred House about his injury, eurocupbasketball.com, (in English)
7. ↑ Lietuvos Rytas - Golden State Warriors game at Oracle Arena, ESPN (in English)
8. ↑ Nielsen leaves Lietuvos Rytas, basketnews.lt (in Lithuanian)
9. ↑ Lukauskis three-pointer won the cup for Rytas, basketnews.lt (in Lithuanian)
10. ↑ Lietuvos Rytas wins 2009 BBL, lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian)
11. ↑ Lietuvos Rytas has problems with players injuries, sportas.info (in Lithuanian)
12. ↑ Lietuvos Rytas adds floor general Cook, euroleague.net (in English)
13. ↑ 2013 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Qualifying Rounds, euroleague.net (in English)
14. ↑ LIETUVOS RYTAS adds veteran forward Songaila, Euroleague.net (in English)
15. ↑ Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius vs. Panathinaikos Athens, Euroleague.net (in English)
16. ↑ Play of the Night: Renaldas Seibutis, Lietuvos Rytas (video) (in English)
17. ↑ Euroleague named Lietuvos rytas and Panathinaikos game as the game of the week, lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian)
18. ↑ Lietuvos Rytas hires Petrović, basketnews.lt (in Lithuanian)
19. ↑ Lietuvos Rytas beats Žalgiris, delfi.lt (in Lithuanian)
20. ↑ D.Songailos šou priartino „Lietuvos rytą“ prie LKL finalo (in Lithuanian)
21. ↑ „Žalgiris“ atstatė lygybę LKL pusfinalyje (5 video, foto, komentarai, statistika) (in Lithuanian)
22. ↑ Po įspūdingos kovos „Žalgiris“ žengė į LKL finalą (6 video, foto, komentarai, statistika) (in Lithuanian)
23. ↑ Babrauskas: „Tai yra tragedija“ (in Lithuanian)
24. ↑ Seibučiui sezonas veikiausiai baigtas – jo laukia akies operacija (in Lithuanian)
25. ↑ Virginijus Šeškus tapo biudžetą mažinančio „Lietuvos ryto“ treneriu (in Lithuanian)
26. ↑ Ant bangos: „Lietuvos rytas“ galingai startavo Europos taurėje (video, foto, komentarai, statistika) (in Lithuanian)
27. ↑ Kšištofas jau Vilniuje: „Man patinka Šeškaus stilius – greitas krepšinis“ (foto) (in Lithuanian)
28. ↑ Jasaitis papildė „Lietuvos ryto“ komandą (in Lithuanian)
29. ↑ Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius vs. PGE Turow Zgorzelec - Game - Welcome to Eurocup (in English)
30. ↑ Net ir po svarbios pergalės V. Šeškus neišsaugojo darbo „Lietuvos ryto“ klube (in Lithuanian)
31. ↑ Šeškų „Lietuvos ryte“ pakeis Motiejūną treniravęs argentinietis (in Lithuanian)
32. ↑ V.Šeškus lieka „Lietuvos ryto" trenerių štabe (in Lithuanian)
33. ↑ „Žalgiris“ susigrąžino LKF taurę (2 video, foto, komentarai, statistika) (in Lithuanian)
34. ↑ „Lietuvos rytui“ aštuntfinalyje su turkais nepavyko įgyti nė taško persvaros (in Lithuanian)
35. ↑ „Lietuvos rytas“ sudegė Izmiro pragare (statistika) (in Lithuanian)
36. ↑ Lietuvos rytas - Žalgiris (2014-10-19) (in Lithuanian)
37. ↑ Neptūnas - Lietuvos rytas (2014-10-26) (in Lithuanian)
38. ↑ Lietuvos rytas - Pieno žvaigždės (2014-11-15) (in Lithuanian)
39. ↑ Lietuvos rytas - Neptūnas (2014-12-28) (in Lithuanian)
40. ↑ Žalgiris - Lietuvos rytas (2015-01-12) (in Lithuanian)
41. ↑ Puikiai krepšį atakavęs „Lietuvos rytas“ nepaliko vilčių „Žalgiriui“ (foto, komentaras, statistika) (in Lithuanian)
42. ↑ Įspūdingo trilerio pabaigoje Moserio dvitaškis parklupdė „Neptūną“ (2 video, foto, komentarai, statistika) (in Lithuanian)
43. ↑ Pasipriešinimo iš „Neptūno“ mačo pabaigoje sulaukęs „Lietuvos rytas“ laimėjo 16-ą kartą paeiliui (video, foto, komentarai, statistika) (in Lithuanian)
44. ↑ Andersono dvitaškis dramatiškai padovanojo „Žalgiriui“ reguliariojo sezono nugalėtojų vardą (4 video, foto, komentarai, statistika) (in Lithuanian)
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53. ↑ "LKL pusfinalio kare "Lietuvos rytas" prieš "Neptūną" laimėjo antrą mūšį". Delfi.lt. Retrieved 20 May 2015. 
54. ↑ "29 taškų persvarą išbarstęs "Lietuvos rytas" vos atsilaikė Klaipėdoje". Delfi.lt. Retrieved 23 May 2015. 
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73. ↑ "Vienas "Šiaulių" lyderių Rokas Giedraitis po sezono persikels į "Lietuvos rytą"". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 2 January 2015. 
74. ↑ "Jucikas pasirašė sutartį su "Lietuvos rytu"". BasketNews.lt. Retrieved 6 July 2015. 
75. ↑ "J. Kazlausko sprendimas: paaiškėjo, kurie krepšininkai ruošis Europos čempionatui". Delfi.lt. Retrieved 9 July 2015. 
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78. ↑ Bagdonas, Marius. "Pasirengimą pradėjusio "Lietuvos ryto" treneris Marcelo Nicola: "Šį sezoną mūsų tikslas – laimėti"". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 19 August 2015. 
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94. ↑ "Pirmas žingsnis link finalo: "Neptūnas" Vilniuje nuplovė "Lietuvos rytą"". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 11 May 2016. 
95. ↑ "Per žingsnį nuo fiasko: "Lietuvos rytas" nieko nepešė ir Klaipėdoje". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 14 May 2016. 
96. ↑ "Gyvybės požymiai: "Lietuvos rytas" namuose palaužė "Neptūną"". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 17 May 2016. 
97. ↑ "Drama Klaipėdoje: "Lietuvos rytas" išplėšė lemiamas serijos rungtynes". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 20 May 2016. 
98. ↑ "To dar nebuvo: "Neptūnas" eliminavo "Lietuvos rytą" ir žengė į LKL finalą". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 22 May 2016. 
99. ↑ ""Lietuvos rytui" – bronzinis LKL paguodos prizas". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 1 June 2016. 
100. ↑ "„Lietuvos rytas“ pratęsė sutartį su Artūru Jomantu". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 13 July 2016. 
101. ↑ "Artūras Gudaitis lieka Vilniaus „Lietuvos ryte“". Retrieved 20 July 2016. 
102. ↑ "„Lietuvos rytas“ sukirto rankomis su D.Loganu". bc.lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian). 22 July 2016. Retrieved 22 July 2016. 
103. ↑ "„Lietuvos ryto“ naujokas – galingas aukštaūgis iš Kamerūno". bc.lrytas.lt. Retrieved 23 July 2016. 
104. ↑ "Adamas Lapeta su „Lietuvos rytu“ sudarė naują sutartį". BasketNews.lt. Retrieved 27 July 2016. 
105. ↑ "Antanas Kavaliauskas signs a two-year deal with Zalgiris Kaunas". sportando.com. Retrieved 29 August 2016. 
106. ↑ "„Lietuvos ryte“ – NBA patirties turintis puolėjas". bc.lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian). August 30, 2016. Retrieved August 30, 2016. 
107. ↑ "„Lietuvos rytą“ papildė įžaidėjas R.Broadusas". bc.lrytas.lt. Retrieved 1 October 2016. 
108. ↑ "Oficialu: K.Kadji keliasi į Turkiją". Krepsinis.net. Retrieved 2 October 2016. 
109. ↑ ""Lietuvos ryte" - NBA patirties turintis įžaidėjas". bc.lrytas.lt. Retrieved 22 November 2016. 
110. ↑ "„Lietuvos rytas“ atsisakė Broaduso paslaugų". BasketNews.lt. Retrieved 9 December 2016. 
111. ↑ "„Lietuvos rytą“ papildė C.Hannah". bc.lrytas.lt. Retrieved 28 December 2016. 
112. ↑ "J.Akognonas palieka „Lietuvos rytą". krepsinis.net (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 21 January 2017. 
113. ↑ "„Lietuvos ryto“ komandą papildė „Neptūno“ lyderis J.Baronas" (in Lithuanian). BC Lietuvos rytas. 9 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017. 
114. ↑ "J.Barono persikėlimo į sostinę detalės: išpirka „Neptūnui“ ir dvigubai didesnė alga". Krepsinis.net (in Lithuanian). 9 February 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2017. 
115. ↑ "„Lietuvos ryte“ Tomą Pačėsą keičia Rimas Kurtinaitis". bc.lrytas.lt. Retrieved 10 February 2017. 
116. ↑ "„Lietuvos rytą“ sustiprino Lenkijoje žibėjęs aukštaūgis". 24sek.lt (in Lithuanian). 25 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017. 
117. ↑ "Žingsniu arčiau finalo: „Lietuvos rytas“ nukovė jėgų pritrūkusį „Lietkabelį“". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 14 May 2017. 
118. ↑ "R. Kurtinaitis siūlo lygai sustabdyti „liaudies priešu“ tapusį Ž. Skučą". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 14 May 2017. 
119. ↑ "Panevėžio arena apginta: „Lietkabelis“ nušlavė „Lietuvos rytą“ ir išlygino pusfinalio seriją". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 17 May 2017. 
120. ↑ "Rimtas pareiškimas: Vilniuje laimėjęs „Lietkabelis“ – per žingsnį nuo LKL finalo". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 20 May 2017. 
121. ↑ "„Lietuvos ryto“ sirgalių žinutė lėbavusiems legionieriams: „Dinkite velniop iš mūsų komandos“". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 24 May 2017. 
122. ↑ "Prisilėbavo: trys „Lietuvos ryto“ legionieriai – nušalinti nuo komandos". TV3.lt. Retrieved 24 May 2017. 
123. ↑ "Paviešinta nuotrauka, kurioje „Lietuvos ryto“ legionieriai lėbavo (Foto)". www.BasketZone.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 24 May 2017. 
124. ↑ "Istorinė pergalė: „Lietkabelis“ atlaikė „Lietuvos ryto“ šturmą ir pirmą kartą žais LKL finale". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 23 May 2017. 
125. ↑ "LKL seriją dėl bronzos pergale pradėjo „Lietuvos rytas“". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 29 May 2017. 
126. ↑ "„Neptūnas“ įveikė „Lietuvos rytą“ ir išlygino LKL mažojo finalo serijos rezultatą". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 1 June 2017. 
127. ↑ "„Lietuvos rytas“ namie vėl parbloškė „Neptūną“ ir atsidūrė per žingsnį nuo LKL bronzos". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 4 June 2017. 
128. ↑ "„Neptūnas“ apgynė savo tvirtovę: LKL bronziniame finale prireiks penktojo mačo". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 7 June 2017. 
129. ↑ "Apginta namų tvirtovė: po dramatiškos kovos LKL bronzos medalius iškovojo „Lietuvos rytas“". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 10 June 2017. 
130. ↑ Ward-Henninger, Colin (15 June 2017). "Lithuanian pro basketball team president blames team's struggles on black players". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 17 June 2017. 
131. ↑ "G. Vainausko pareiškimas apie juodaodžius žaidėjus sukėlė tikrą audrą". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 15 June 2017. 
132. ↑ "ESPN žurnalistai sumaišė G. Vainauską su žemėmis ir išvadino idiotu". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 17 June 2017. 
133. ↑ "Eurolygos drausmės komisija pradėjo tyrimą dėl Vainausko pasisakymo". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 16 June 2017. 
134. ↑ "R. Šimašius kirto G. Vainauskui dėl rasizmo". DELFI. Retrieved 16 June 2017. 
135. ↑ Augustis, Mindaugas. "„Lietuvos ryte“ – žadėtos permainos: keičiasi savininkas". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 19 June 2017. 
136. ↑ "Karalius mirė – tegyvuoja karalius! Ką „Lietuvos rytui“ atneš A.Guogos ranka". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 20 June 2017. 
137. ↑ "Dėmesio centre. A. Guoga tapo „Lietuvos ryto“ komandos akcininku - LRT". Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 19 June 2017. 
138. ↑ "Antanas Guoga – naujasis „Lietuvos ryto“ savininkas". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). 
139. ↑ "Gedvydas Vainauskas oficialiai atsistatydina iš „Lietuvos ryto“ klubo prezidento pareigų". lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 20 June 2017. 
140. ↑ "G. Vainauskas atsistatydina iš „Lietuvos ryto“ prezidento posto". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 20 June 2017. 
141. ↑ "Tarp siūlomų naujų pavadinimų „Lietuvos rytui“ – ir „Vilniaus pokeris“". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 20 June 2017. 
142. ↑ "B Tribūna (dėl pavadinimo keitimo)". Facebook.com. Retrieved 20 June 2017. 
143. ↑ "„Lietuvos ryto“ sirgaliai sukilo prieš galimą komandos pavadinimo keitimą". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 20 June 2017. 
144. ↑ Jačauskas, Ignas. "„Lietuvos rytui“ vadovaus D. Gudelis, pasiūlytas naujas komandos pavadinimas". DELFI.lt. Retrieved 21 June 2017. 
145. ↑ "Nutarta pakeisti Všį „Krepšinio rytas“ pavadinimą, paaiškėjo ekipos direktorius". bc.lrytas.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 21 June 2017. 
146. ↑ "Jonas Valančiūnas, Linas Kleiza ir Arvydas Macijauskas „Lietuvos ryte“: kiek tai realu?". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 21 June 2017. 
147. ↑ Butkauskas, Laurynas. "„Lietuvos ryto“ direktorius: pagalba nerimaujančiam R. Kurtinaičiui – L. Kleiza ir asistentas ispanas". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 4 July 2017. 
148. ↑ Rimkus, Kęstas. "Linas Kleiza - apie „Lietuvos ryto“ komplektaciją, A.Guogą ir savo, kaip puolėjo, rolę klube". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 13 July 2017. 
149. ↑ "L.Kleiza tapo „Lietuvos ryto“ dalininku ir viceprezidentu". Krepsinis.net (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 13 July 2017. 
150. ↑ Černiauskas, Šarūnas; Rimkus, Kęstas. "Antanas Guoga „Lietuvos rytą“ gelbėja po stambaus laimėjimo Las Vegaso kazino". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 15 July 2017. 
151. ↑ Augustis, Mindaugas. "Atsakingas pareigas gavęs L. Kleiza savo karjeros klausimą palieka atvirą". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 13 July 2017. 
152. ↑ "Kito sezono Europos taurėje – ir „Lietkabelis“ ir „Lietuvos rytas“". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). 
153. ↑ "„Lietuvos rytas“ iš Panevėžio prisiviliojo B. Madgeną". Krepsinis.lt. 
154. ↑ "Prie „Lietuvos ryto“ vairo lieka R. Kurtinaitis". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 13 June 2017. 
155. ↑ "Į „Lietuvos rytą“ sugrįžta masažuotojas J. Petkevičius". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 11 July 2017. 
156. ↑ "„Lietuvos ryto“ klubas per parą pardavė visus 1800 abonementų". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 19 July 2017. 
157. ↑ "Pokyčiais patenkintas M. Lukauskis sugrįžo į „Lietuvos ryto“ gretas". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 19 July 2017. 
158. ↑ "Dar vienas naujokas: „Lietuvos rytą“ papildė aukštaūgis iš JAV". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 20 July 2017. 
159. ↑ Vanagas, Tomas. "Solidus pastiprinimas: „Lietuvos rytas“ susitarė su Vokietijoje universaliai žaidusiu Krameriu". BasketNews.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 20 July 2017. 
160. ↑ "„Lietuvos rytas“ pasirašė kontraktus iškart su dviem naujokais". 24sek.lt. Retrieved 22 July 2017. 
161. ↑ "„Lietuvos rytas“ į trenerių štabą pasikvietė D. Adomaičio asistentą". Krepsinis.lt. Retrieved 28 July 2017. 
162. ↑ "Lietuvos rytas | Lietuvos krepšinio lyga". LKL.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 3 July 2017. 
163. ↑ "LIETUVOS RYTAS". BBL.net. Retrieved 3 July 2017. 
164. ↑ "Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius". www.eurocupbasketball.com. Retrieved 3 July 2017. 
165. ↑ "Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius". www.euroleague.net. Retrieved 3 July 2017. 
166. ↑ "Komandų statistika". LKL.lt. Retrieved 20 May 2015. 
167. ↑ Rimas Kurtinaitis chosen as best Eurocup coach of all time, eurocupbasketball.com (in English)
168. ↑ „NBA 2K15“ žaidime – „Žalgiris“, „Lietuvos rytas“ ir daugybė lietuvių (in Lithuanian)

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to BC Lietuvos Rytas.

• Official website (in Lithuanian) (in English)
• BC Lietuvos rytas at Euroleague.net (in English)
• BC Lietuvos rytas at LKL.lt (in Lithuanian)
• BC Lietuvos rytas at VTB-League.com (in English) (in Russian)
• Lietuvos rytas players stats (1997–2008) (in Lithuanian)

Lietuvos rytas – current roster
7 Gudaitis 9 Pilauskas 13 Gailius 16 Łapeta 20 Baron 21 Jomantas 31 Giedraitis Head coach: Kurtinaitis Assistant coaches: Vasilev Gronskis

Eurocup champions squads

Lietuvos rytas 2004–05 ULEB Cup champions 4 Lukauskis 5 Šležas 7 Štelmahers 9 Delininkaitis 10 Čukinas 11 Kuzminskas 12 Mujezinović 13 Jasaitis 15 Javtokas (Finals MVP) 33 Nesby 41 Einikis 50 Jarutis Head coach Mahorić Assistant coach Paulauskas Lietuvos rytas 2008–09 Eurocup champions 5 Babrauskas 8 Lukauskis 11 Bjelica 12 Anisimovas 13 Eidson 14 Zavackas 15 Petravičius (Finals MVP) 21 Jomantas 22 Sinica 31 Gecevičius 41 Brazdauskis 55 Dainys Head coach: Kurtinaitis Assistant coaches: Kuncaitis Gronskis

Lietuvos Krepšinio Lyga
Teams	Dzūkija Juventus Lietkabelis Lietuvos rytas Neptūnas Nevėžis Pieno žvaigždės Šiauliai Vytautas Žalgiris
Seasons	1993–94 1994–95 1995–96 1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17
Finals	1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Annual events	All-Star Day All-Star Game (MVP) Slam Dunk Contest Three-point Shootout
Other	Awards LKF Cup Karaliaus Mindaugo taurė

2013–14 Turkish Airlines Euroleague
Champions	Maccabi Tel Aviv
Runners-up	Real Madrid
Third place	FC Barcelona
Fourth place	CSKA Moscow
Eliminated in the Quarter-finals	Emporio Armani Milano Galatasaray Liv Hospital Olympiacos Piraeus Panathinaikos Athens
Eliminated in the Top 16	Group E Group F Anadolu Efes Istanbul FC Bayern Munich Fenerbahçe Ülker Istanbul Laboral Kutxa Lokomotiv Kuban Partizan NIS Belgrade Unicaja Žalgiris Kaunas
Eliminated in the Regular season	Group A Group B Group C Group D Brose Baskets Bamberg Budivelnyk Kiev Nanterre Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius Montepaschi Siena Strasbourg IG Stelmet Zielona Góra Red Star Belgrade
Eliminated in the third qualifying round	Telenet Oostende
Eliminated in the second qualifying round	Banvit EWE Oldenburg
Eliminated in the first qualifying round	Cimberio Varese ČEZ Nymburk Khimki Moscow VEF Rīga

VTB United League
Seasons	2008 Promo-Cup 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2014–15 2015–16 2016–17
Playoffs	2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Al-Star Games	2017 2018
Clubs	Current  Astana  Avtodor Saratov  CSKA Moscow  Enisey  Kalev/Cramo  Khimki  Lokomotiv-Kuban  Nizhny Novgorod  Parma  Tsmoki-Minsk  UNICS Kazan  VEF Rīga  Zenit Saint Petersburg Former  Anwil Włocławek  ASK Riga  Asseco Prokom  Azovmash Mariupol  Bisons Loimaa  Budivelnyk Kyiv  ČEZ Nymburk  Dnipro  Donetsk  Dynamo Moscow  Espoon Honka  Krasny Oktyabr  Krasnye Krylya  Kyiv  Lietuvos rytas  Neptūnas Klaipėda  Šiauliai  Spartak Saint Petersburg  Torpan Pojat  Turów Zgorzelec  VITA Tbilisi  Žalgiris Kaunas
Awards	Most Valuable Player Playoffs MVP Coach of the Year Young Player of the Year Sixth Man of the Year Defensive Player of the Year Top Player
Statistics	Records Scoring Rebounds Assists Steals Blocks
Other	Russian clubs in international competitions
Category

Lietuvos rytas
Media group	Lietuvos rytas (newspaper) Lietuvos rytas TV lrytas.lt
Sponsored by Lietuvos rytas	BC Lietuvos rytas

Authority control	ISNI: 0000 0004 0490 7005