EXCITING PLANS FOR LBA KAUNAS IN 2025-26
Introduction
The Lithuanian Basketball Academy (LBA) in Kaunas has quickly become one of the leading programs for young players looking to develop their skills while pursuing academic studies. We sat down with Levan Japaridze, the International Manager of the Development Program, to discuss what’s coming next for LBA Kaunas. From competing in more leagues to participating in international tournaments and launching a summer showcase, the future looks bright for young basketball prospects.
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Interview
Q: Levan, thank you for joining us. What are the main goals for LBA Kaunas in the 2025-26 season?
Levan Japaridze: It’s my pleasure! Our main goal is to expand opportunities for our players. This season, we will compete in multiple leagues within the Kaunas Basketball League to give our players more game experience. Additionally, we are planning to participate in international cups, which will allow our players to face different styles of basketball and gain exposure to scouts and coaches from across Europe.
Q: You mentioned international tournaments. Can you share more details?
Levan Japaridze: Yes, this is something we’re very excited about. We are currently working on joining several international competitions, including showcase tournaments where our players can prove themselves against top talent from different countries. These cups will not only give our players competitive experience but also increase their visibility to professional teams and college recruiters.
Q: LBA Kaunas has always been focused on player development. What new opportunities will players have in the upcoming season?
Levan Japaridze: We believe that playing more games in different settings is key to development. By expanding our league participation, players will experience various levels of competition. We are also introducing a summer league, which will serve as a showcase for selecting new players for our program. This will give young talents a chance to prove themselves and potentially secure a spot at LBA Kaunas for the following season.
Q: Can you tell us more about the summer league? How will it work?
Levan Japaridze: The summer league will be an intensive competition where invited players will compete in a series of games under the watchful eyes of our coaching staff and scouts. It will be an opportunity for us to evaluate new talent and for players to show what they can bring to the team. It will also serve as an entry point for players who want to join LBA Kaunas for the 2025-26 season.
Q: What is your message to young players who want to join LBA Kaunas?
Levan Japaridze: If you are serious about basketball and want to develop your skills in one of the best basketball environments in Europe, LBA Kaunas is the place for you. We provide high-level training, academic education, and exposure to professional opportunities. With our expanded league participation, international tournaments, and summer showcase, there has never been a better time to join our program.
LBA Kaunas Partnership with Vera Basketball Academy
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new collaboration between LBA Kaunas Academy and Vera Basketball Academy! This partnership marks a significant step forward in our shared mission to nurture young basketball talent and provide them with the tools they need to excel both on and off the court.
By joining forces, LBA Kaunas and Vera Basketball Academy will combine their expertise, resources, and passion for the game to offer a comprehensive development program. This initiative is rooted in a common philosophy and methodology, ensuring that players receive consistent, high-quality training while embracing values such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
As part of this collaboration, we are proud to introduce Levan Japaridze as the International Manager of the Development Program. Levan brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of player development, making him a key figure in driving this partnership forward. His role will focus on creating pathways for young athletes to grow, learn, and reach new heights in their basketball journey.
Additionally, this partnership will feature an exciting player exchange program, giving young athletes the chance to train and compete in new environments, broadening their horizons and enhancing their development through diverse experiences.
This partnership represents more than just a merging of academies; it symbolizes a commitment to providing young talents with unparalleled opportunities to hone their skills and pursue their dreams. Together, LBA Kaunas Academy and Vera Basketball Academy will create a vibrant environment where players can thrive, embracing challenges and pushing their limits.
Stay tuned for more updates on this incredible journey as we pave the way for the future of basketball development. We can’t wait to see the positive impact this collaboration will have on our players, teams, and the broader basketball community!