By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Rytas officially extended the contract of forward Gytis Masiulis on Friday, securing him through the 2027–2028 season.
Per the press release: “Rytas Vilnius is beginning its future roster planning with the announcement of a significant agreement. The capital’s club has officially extended the contract of its long-time big man, Gytis Masiulis, who will remain in Vilnius until the end of the 2027–2028 season.
Having played in Vilnius since 2022, Masiulis has become a vital part of the team’s core. Over the past few years, the forward has experienced numerous memorable moments with Rytas, the most prominent being the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) title won in the 2023–2024 season and reaching the Basketball Champions League Final Four this year.
This season in the domestic league, the 206 cm tall player is averaging 9.82 points, 4.45 rebounds, and 13.55 efficiency points per game. Masiulis maintains similar figures on the international stage, recording 9.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in the FIBA Champions League. The forward has been exceptionally accurate this year, shooting 54.8% from two-point range and an impressive 43.2% from beyond the arc, significantly expanding the team’s offensive options.
Artūras Jomantas, the sporting director of Rytas, emphasized that extending the contract was a natural step in maintaining the team’s core and mentality.
“Gytis is a player whose professionalism and dedication have been unquestionable since his very first day in Vilnius. He has not only integrated perfectly into our system but has also become one of those players who represents the values of Rytas on the court. It is important for us to have a Lithuanian core that understands what it means to fight for the club’s colors, and we are delighted that Gytis envisions his future with our club,” said Jomantas.
The player himself did not hide his emotions, stating that the decision to stay in the capital was not difficult.
“I am very happy to have extended my contract with Rytas. I am grateful to the club for the trust shown in me and to the fans for their constant support—it means a lot to me on the court. I feel at home here, which motivates me even more to work hard and pursue the highest goals together,” Masiulis said.
Masiulis has already delivered several dominant performances this season, most notably in a game against Istanbul’s Galatasaray MCT Technic, where he scored 25 points and racked up 25 efficiency points.”