The 2022‑2023 campaign remains BC Lietkabelis' brightest chapter. Founded in 1999, the club leapt from a mid‑table LKL side to European competition, sparking a wave of excitement across Lithuanian basketball circles.
How did the club break into the European stage?
First, head coach Saulius Štombergas, at the helm since 2020, installed a strict defensive system. His approach kept Lietkabelis losing fewer than 30 % of games all season. Second, the players' sacrifice – Tomas Delininkaitis, a 28‑year‑old guard, averaged 12.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. His leadership lifted the youngsters, especially 22‑year‑old Vytas Buzinskas, who emerged as the top scorer.
What were the key achievements?
The team finished second in the LKL, opening a spot in the EuroCup group stage. There they upset France's Le Mans Sarthe 84‑78, a first‑time victory at that level in a decade. Additionally, BC Lietkabelis reached the EuroCup quarter‑finals, where they faced Spain's Baskonia, losing but proving they can hang with top‑tier clubs.
What created the unforgettable atmosphere?
Fans from Panevėžys waved the red‑white banner at every game. Mid‑season, on October 12, the club hosted the "Kabelis Festival" – a gathering that drew over 5 000 people. That energy lifted morale, especially when, after a grueling third quarter, Buzinskas sank a game‑winning three‑pointer within a two‑minute break.
What does this season mean for the future?
Now BC Lietkabelis boasts a solid foundation: youthful talent, seasoned leadership and loyal supporters. It gives the club a platform to grow, not only in the LKL but also on the European map. Upcoming seasons will likely be filled with ambition, as this triumph proved a small city can house a big basketball heart.