Gintaras Einikis

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

Playing career

In 1987, the 18-year-old Einikis arrived at Žalgiris to replace his injured teammate Arvydas Sabonis. He 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, he left for Avtodor Saratov. After dominating with Avtodor, Einikis moved to CSKA Moscow. After 2 moderate seasons, he moved to Idea-Slask, where he averaged 9 points per game and 4.4 rebounds per game in 22 minutes of Euroleague action. He moved back to Zalgiris, contributing more to the team. During the last years of his career his averages fell drastically; however, he helped Lietuvos Rytas to win Uleb Cup in 2005. He retired after the 2005-06 season. In 2009 he returned to professional basketball and played for Naglis-Adakris. After 2009-2010 season he retired second time.