The lively Lithuanian is moving on.
At a press conference at Blue Ridge School Thursday, former Virginia basketball player Laurynas Mikalauskas, who was kicked off the men’s basketball team last week, took full responsibility for the academic ineligibility that resulted in his dismissal and announced his intention to turn pro overseas.
“I could not see myself transferring to another school or playing for another college basketball team,” Mikalauskas said. “Therefore, I have decided to forego my last year of NCAA eligibility and pursue my dream of playing basketball at the professional level.”
A teary-eyed Mikalauskas was accompanied by his agent, Michael Lelchitski, and his former high school coach at Blue Ridge, Bill Ramsey, and Ramsey’s wife Margaret. The Ramseys also served as Mikalauskas’ legal guardians when he came to the United States in high school.
Though Mikalauskas did not blame Leitao for his decision, he did say his removal from the team, which he said occurred Sunday, Aug. 17, was not particularly timely.
“I wish had a chance to find out earlier in the summer so that I would have a chance to get more exposure overseas,” Mikalauskas said. “But it is what it is now, and I just have to deal with it.”
An Aug. 18 press release announced Mikalauskas’ removal from the program. The would-be senior made an appeal to the University, but was denied.
“There are standards to be a member of this basketball program, and Laurynas has not lived up to those standards,” Leitao stated in the press release. “I will have no additional comment on this situation.”
The loss of Mikalauskas comes as a big blow to the Virginia basketball program, because the Lithuanian had the best shot at the starting center position in the coming season. His departure will also likely disappoint many Wahoos, as Mikalauskas was a fan favorite throughout his career.
“I especially want to thank the fans — go Wahoos!” Mikalauskas said. “I really hope that they felt the emotion that I played with and saw that I gave it my all every time I stepped on the court in a Virginia jersey — number 11.”
Though the press conference gave Mikalauskas the opportunity to say good-bye to students and fans, he said he is not yet through at Virginia.
“I would like to come back and finish my degree,” Mikalauskas said, noting that this would probably occur over the next two summers. He also added, “I would like to come back and watch the games.”
For Ramsey, the news of Mikalauskas’ departure was unsettling.
“These last three years have been very special, to be going to his games and traveling to the ACC Tournament,” he said. “It was kind of a shocker, and it’s happened real fast, but I feel like he’s got some great opportunities already.”
Mikalauskas now sets his sights on European basketball. Though he will not play in his native Lithuania to start, he said he has set a goal of playing for the Lithuanian national team at the 2012 Olympics in London.
As for the present, Mikalauskas said he is healthy and eager to play after rehabbing his shoulder. He had surgery on the shoulder immediately following last season but said he is close to 100 percent.
“I’m still working on my strength and shooting,” he said. “Like every other day, every basketball player has to work out. I can’t just sit here and hope to get professional offers. I have to work out like a pro now.”
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