Gintaras Einikis

Gintaras Einikis (born September 30, 1969) is a Lithuanian retired professional basketball player and current coach. He stands at 6 ft 10 in (208 cm), and is a former center for the senior Lithuanian national team. Einikis is the only player from the Lithuanian national team to have won all three consecutive bronze medals at the Summer Olympics, in Barcelona, Atlanta, and Sydney.

Professional career In 1987, the then 18-year-old Einikis, arrived at Žalgiris, to replace his injured teammate, Arvydas Sabonis. Einikis established himself as a strong and aggressive defender, an excellent center, and a surprisingly accurate three-point shooter. When Sabonis left Žalgiris, Einikis continued his career, as a starter.

In 1995, Einikis joined Avtodor Saratov. After dominating with Avtodor, Einikis then moved to CSKA Moscow. After 2 moderate seasons with CSKA, he moved to Śląsk Wrocław, where he averaged 9 points per game, and 4.4 rebounds per game, in 22 minutes per game of EuroLeague action. After a tumultuous first half of the season, he left Śląsk and signed with Greek side Near East to finish the season.

He then moved back to Žalgiris, where he contributed more to the team. During the last years of his career, his averages fell drastically; however, he still helped Lietuvos Rytas to win the ULEB Cup (EuroCup) championship in 2005. He retired after the 2005–06 season.

In 2009, he returned to playing professional basketball, and played for Naglis-Adakris. After the 2009–10 season, he retired for a second time.

Career statistics

EuroLeague

Coaching career On February 10, 2016, it was announced that Einkis had become an assistant coach for Avtodor Saratov.

Controversies In 2008, Einikis participated in altercation with a night club's staff, yelling insults, threatening physical harm and refusing to leave the club. He and his friend were fined with 3,000 Litas.

After the incident, Einikis was spotted leaving the club in his car Volkswagen Touareg. Because he had lost his license a year ago after his involvement in a hit and run accident, he was fined with an additional 2,500 Litas. During the accident, it was speculated that he was on cocaine. The police discovered cocaine powder in his car.

In 2011, Einikis, heavily intoxicated, with 5.11 per mil blood-alcohol concentration, went to his friend's house and threatened to kill her by setting her house on fire. He was later arrested and charged with threats of arson and assault.

He married his longtime friend Jurgita in July 2012. Later that month, however, he, while under the influence of alcohol, physically assaulted his wife.

Awards and achievements Pro clubs 6× Lithuanian Champion: (1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2003) Lithuanian SSR Champion: (1991) 2× Lithuanian Champion: (1992, 1993) 3× Lithuanian League (LKL) Champion: (1994, 1995, 2003) 2× Lithuanian League MVP: (1994, 1995) 2× Lithuanian League Finals MVP: (1994, 1995) FIBA EuroStar: (1997) Russian League Champion: (2000) Polish League Champion: (2004) ULEB Cup (EuroCup) Champion: (2005) FIBA EuroCup All-Star (FIBA EuroChallenge All-Star): (2006) Czech League Champion: (2006)

Lithuanian senior national team 1992 Summer Olympics: EuroBasket 1995: 1996 Summer Olympics: 2000 Summer Olympics:

State awards Recipient of the Officer's Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas (1995) Recipient of the Commander's Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas (1996)