Rytas Vilnius part ways with Zibenas after shocking playoff collapse

25/05/202621:22

Quarterfinal exit against Juventus Utena ends a successful era for the Lithuanian club.

Rytas Vilnius have officially parted ways with head coach Giedrius Zibenas following the team’s unexpected elimination in the Lithuanian League quarterfinals. The reigning FIBA Basketball Champions League winners were swept 2-0 by Juventus Utena, including a 101-95 home loss in Game 2. It marked the club’s first failure to reach the LKL semifinals since 1997.

Despite the disappointing ending, Zibenas leaves after one of the most successful stretches in Rytas history. During his tenure, the club won its first-ever Basketball Champions League title and captured two Lithuanian league championships in 2022 and 2024.