That’s it, everyone, we put an end to our careers. Finally! My brother and I both began our long and action-packed basketball adventure back in 1998 with BC Alytus. Back then, we could not have imagined what was yet to come – all the EuroLeague clubs and being part of Lithuania’s national team, biggest wins, most painful losses, discovering the world, building a fanbase, and, most importantly, creating our little families on a side too… What a journey it has been!

Looking back at all these years, we feel so grateful to not only have had such loyal fans but also for meeting so many wonderful players along the way, who continue to support us to this day. This is the reason why we decided to organize a celebration no one has seen before. We managed to gather all Lithuanian basketball stars (past and present) for one final game.

My team (Ksistof) was led by the legendary Antanas Sireika. I was joined by some of the greatest players: Arvydas Macijauskas, Jonas Maciulis, Mantas Kalnietis, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Simas Jasaitis, Robertas Javtokas, Linas Kleiza, Dainius Salenga, Mindaugas Zukauskas, Paulius Jankunas, Donatas Slanina, Dominikas Lavrinovic, and Danielis Lavrinovic.

Darjus, on the other hand, took this name drawing very seriously and strategically came up with his list: Jonas Valanciunas, Saulius Stombergas, Tomas Delininkaitis, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Ramunas Siskauskas, Arturas Gudaitis, Renaldas Seibutis, Giedrius Gustas, Darius Songaila, Titas Lavrinovic, Darjus Lavrinovic Junior – all lead by Jonas Kazlauskas. Whichever strategy Darjus was using, it worked! My brother proudly took the trophy home after crushing us 112:92.

We will always remember 18 June as the day of pure joy and appreciation. Nearly 7,000 people came to witness our last game live, dance together, and maybe even shed a tear or two remembering the good times. We thank Vidas Bareikis for the musical breaks, Karolis Tiskevicius for making sure the whole arena is in good spirits, and, of course, everyone who took the time to be a part of this magical evening. Because of you, we were able to donate a generous amount of money (10,000 Eur) to Rimanto Kaukeno paramos fondas – a charitable organization that will distribute the donation to the Ukrainian children affected by war.

One chapter is closed, let’s open a new one!