Ąžuolas Tubelis joins Žalgiris to replace Smailagić: “A childhood dream”

18/07/202511:04

Žalgiris Kaunas signs Ąžuolas Tubelis on a 2+1 deal after Smailagić’s EuroLeague exit. The LKL MVP is ready for the next step

With Alen Smailagić leaving for another EuroLeague team, Žalgiris quickly moved to sign Ąžuolas Tubelis, one of Lithuania’s top young big men.

Tubelis, 23, signed a two-year deal with an option, stating: “Playing in EuroLeague has always been my dream. I’m ready to embrace this new challenge and earn my place in Kaunas”.

Sporting director Gediminas Navickas called Tubelis “hungry and eager to grow”. After three NCAA seasons and a dominant year in Vilnius, he now joins Žalgiris at full maturity.

Zalgiris’ latest addition to the frontcourt is one of the most talented Lithuanian players of his generation – Azuolas Tubelis, who has signed a 2+1 deal with the club. 📷 pic.twitter.com/arrndIwhF4

— BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) July 18, 2025