Rytas Vilnius continues to shape the contours of its future roster and has signed a three-year contract with 24-year-old, 201 cm tall forward Gytis Nemeikša. In order to provide suitable conditions for development and the opportunity to gain experience, he will represent the Panevėžys Lietkabelis team on loan for the upcoming season.
G. Nemeikša spent the last few years in the US, where he successfully played in the strongest collegiate league (NCAA). Representing the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, the forward showed solid play – in the 2024–2025 season, he averaged 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. In the best game of his career across the Atlantic against the Oakland team, he stood out by scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
The forward entered the past 2025–2026 season with recognition – he was selected to the symbolic Big West All-Conference Preseason Team. During the season, G. Nemeikša averaged 9.2 points and grabbed 4.8 rebounds per game. Before moving to Hawaii, the basketball player also spent one season with the Xavier University team.
“Every season, we follow Lithuanian basketball players who have the potential to help our team fight for high goals. Gytis is a forward of exceptional physical attributes, characterized by versatility and the ability to do a lot of invisible work on the court,” said Rytas Vilnius sports director Artūras Jomantas. “Nevertheless, we understand that for players who have graduated from university, the first year is usually challenging. Therefore, after talking both with Gytis and his representatives, as well as with the Panevėžys club, we believe that we have made the best decision for today, which will allow the basketball player to continue developing.”
The basketball player has already proven his worth on the local front as well. Before leaving for the US, G. Nemeikša became the champion of the second-tier national basketball league (National Basketball League) and was named the Final Four Most Valuable Player (MVP).
G. Nemeikša has also received recognition on a national scale – he has represented the Lithuanian youth and student national basketball teams, and this summer he was included in the extended candidate list of the Lithuanian men’s basketball reserve national team.
“When I received interest from Rytas, I was filled with good emotions – it is a high-level organization that sets the highest goals every year. Personally, I also always want to fight for victories and be in an organization where a winning mentality is fostered. For me, this is a great recognition and motivation to keep working hard,” G. Nemeikša shared his thoughts after signing the contract. “After the stage in America, I am returning with great desire and confidence to start my professional path. Next season I will be with the Panevėžys team – this is also a club that has been among the strongest teams for years and always aims for the highest goals. I have always been a basketball player who gives all his energy on the court, I am ready to fight and be useful to the team. I am happy to have received such an opportunity and will try to make the most of it, gain experience, and continue to improve.”