Biruta to Compete for Lithuania at U20 European Championships
May 12 | Men's Basketball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (May 12, 2011) - Rutgers rising sophomore forward Gilvydas Biruta (Jonava, Lithuania), a 2010-11 BIG EAST All-Rookie selection, will compete this summer for the Lithuania Under 20 National Team at the 2011 FIBA European Championships. The tournament will take place July 14-24 in Bilbao, Spain.
“I am very excited to play for my national team,” said Biruta. “It's a huge honor for me. In Europe, many young players dream of making the national team the same way Americans dream of playing in the NBA. I can't wait to show everyone what I learned at Rutgers. I’m really looking forward to playing with my friends and former teammates.”
“This is a great opportunity for Gilvydas,” said Rutgers head coach Mike Rice. “He did everything we asked of him this past season and more. He will face a high level of competition at the European Championships and it will aid in his development. We have no doubt that Gilvydas will be a tremendous ambassador for the Rutgers basketball program.”
Biruta led all BIG EAST newcomers in field goal percentage (.529), rebounding (5.6) and free throw percentage (.723) in 2010-11. He started 31 of 32 games and averaged 10 points per game in league contests. He scored in double figures 19 times and had a pair of double-doubles. Biruta also excelled in the classroom, where he achieved a 3.57 grade point average for the academic year.
Lithuania will compete in the A Division of the Championship as one of Europe’s top 16 teams. They begin play in Group D along with Ukraine, Italy and the Federal Republic of Germany.
