Paulius Jankūnas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Paulius Jankūnas

Jankūnas with Žalgiris Kaunas in 2018
Žalgiris Kaunas
President
Personal information
Born	(1984-04-29) 29 April 1984 (age 41) Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR, Soviet Union
Nationality	Lithuanian
Listed weight	113 kg (249 lb)
Career information
NBA Draft	2006 / Undrafted
Pro career	2002–2022
Career history
2002–2003	LKKA-Žalgiris Kaunas
2003–2009	Žalgiris Kaunas
2009–2010	BC Khimki
2010–2022	Žalgiris Kaunas
Career highlights and awards
All-EuroLeague Second Team (2018) All-VTB United League Second Team (2012) 15× Lithuanian LKL champion (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2011–2021) 2× Lithuanian LKL Finals MVP (2011, 2014) 7× Lithuanian LKL All-Star (2008, 2009, 2011–2015) Lithuanian LKL rebounding leader (2014) 5× Lithuanian King Mindaugas Cup winner (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022) 5× Lithuanian LKF Cup winner (2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2015) Lithuanian LKF Cup MVP (2011) Lithuanian Super Cup winner (2012) 4× Baltic BBL champion (2005, 2008, 2011, 2012) Baltic BBL MVP (2009) Baltic BBL All-Star (2006) Lithuanian 2nd Division champion (2003) Lithuanian 2nd Division MVP (2003) No. 13 retired by Žalgiris Kaunas EuroLeague all-time leader in total rebounds LKL records Lithuanian League all-time efficiency leader Lithuanian League all-time +/- leader
Medals Men's Basketball Representing  Lithuania FIBA World Cup Bronze Turkey 2010 EuroBasket Silver 2015 France Bronze 2007 Spain FIBA U-21 World Cup Gold 2005 Argentina U-21 Team FIBA U-20 European Championship Bronze 2004 Czech Republic U-20 Team FIBA U-19 World Cup Silver 2003 Greece U-19 Team

Paulius Jankūnas, born on April 29, 1984, is a famous former professional basketball player from Lithuania. He spent most of his career playing for Žalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania's top league and the EuroLeague. He also played for the senior Lithuanian national team. Jankūnas was known for playing as a power forward or center. He was even chosen for the All-EuroLeague Second Team in 2018, which is a big honor!

Early Basketball Days

Paulius Jankūnas started his basketball journey playing for LKKA-Žalgiris. He played there for two seasons. In 2003, he helped his team win the Lithuanian League 2nd Division championship.

He was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2nd Division that year. He averaged 20 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. In 2003, he also took part in the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso, a special event for young basketball talents.

Professional Career Highlights

Jankūnas with Žalgiris Kaunas in 2014

After playing in the Lithuanian 2nd Division, Jankūnas joined the famous EuroLeague club Žalgiris Kaunas in the 2003–04 season. He thought about joining the NBA draft in 2005 but decided not to.

In the 2008–09 EuroLeague season, Jankūnas played really well. He averaged 13.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. He even scored 23 points in one game against a Polish team. He was also named the MVP of the Baltic Basketball League in the 2008–09 season.

Playing for Khimki Moscow

On August 14, 2009, Paulius Jankūnas signed a two-year contract with Khimki Moscow Region, a Russian EuroLeague team. He played for them for one season (2009–10). During that time, he competed in three different leagues.

Returning to Žalgiris Kaunas

On July 24, 2010, Jankūnas made a big return to his former team, Žalgiris Kaunas. He stayed with them for many more years. In May 2018, he was recognized for his amazing skills and was named to the All-EuroLeague Second Team for the 2017–18 season.

During his time with Žalgiris Kaunas, Jankūnas helped the team win many championships. They won thirteen Lithuanian League championships and seven Lithuanian Cups. He also helped them win the Lithuanian Super Cup in 2012 and four Baltic League championships.

On August 12, 2021, Jankūnas signed with the team again. He played his very last EuroLeague game on April 3, 2022. He scored 13 points in that game, which was a win for his team. On June 3, 2022, Paulius Jankūnas officially retired from playing professional basketball.

Playing for Lithuania's National Team

Jankūnas (right) with Lithuania in 2010

Paulius Jankūnas was a key player for Lithuania's junior national basketball teams. In 2003, he helped the Under-19 team win silver medals at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup. He also won a bronze medal with the Under-20 team in 2004. In that tournament, he was the best rebounder, averaging 12.3 rebounds per game.

In 2005, he helped Lithuania win the gold medal at the FIBA Under-21 World Cup. He averaged 12.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game during that competition.

Senior National Team Achievements

Jankūnas also played for the senior Lithuanian national team. His first major tournament with them was the 2005 EuroBasket. He helped Lithuania win a bronze medal at the 2007 EuroBasket and another bronze medal at the 2010 FIBA World Championship. He also won a silver medal with Lithuania at the 2015 EuroBasket.

He represented Lithuania in many other important tournaments. These included the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Player Skills and Style

Paulius Jankūnas is 2.05 meters (about 6 feet 8 inches) tall and was a very strong player. He was known for being an excellent rebounder and scorer. He often scored close to the basket and was good at getting fouls from opposing players.

He could also shoot well from mid-range and even from the three-point line. This made him a versatile player who could score in different ways.

Career Statistics Summary

Paulius Jankūnas played 392 games in his EuroLeague career, starting 283 of them. He averaged 8.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He was a very efficient player throughout his career.

Personal Life

Paulius Jankūnas married his wife, Ieva, in the summer of 2007.

See also

In Spanish: Paulius Jankūnas para niños