3x3 superstar Pukelis to ignite Lithuania at Paris Olympics

VILNIUS (Lithuania) - With superstar Aurelijus Pukelis in career best form, Lithuania are aiming to continue their country's proud hoops tradition at the Olympics with a strong showing in Paris. 

Let's take a closer look at the reigning Europe Cup silver medalists. 

LITHUANIA

Ranking: 3rd

Previous Olympic Appearances: Nil

Squad: Aurelijus Pukelis, Evaldas Dziaugys, Gintautas Matulis, Sarunas Vingelis

Key Player: Aurelijus Pukelis

Lithuania's medal hopes probably rest on the performance of their 6ft.9in (2.05m) giant who has insane mobility for his size.

Pukelis is having some type of 2024 having led Lithuania to a Paris ticket and he's been unstoppable on the World Tour. He's been at the heart of Raudondvaris Hoptrans' (LTU) strong campaign, which yielded a title at the Marseille Masters. 

He's been on fire all season with Pukelis averaging 7.4 ppg on the World Tour - a mark surpassed only by superstar Worthy de Jong (minimum of 10 games). 

It long felt like this lethal Lithuanian was the most underrated player in 3x3, but he's come of age this season. An Olympic medal will be a fitting reward for a player who has grinded away on the half-court for years. 

Qualification: After this hoops crazy nation missed out on the Tokyo Games, Lithuania were under pressure and their burden increased when they lost to the Netherlands in the final of the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2. 

 Lithuania had one last opportunity and were out for redemption at the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament. 

The No.1 seed made a nervous start after losing to youthful Germany, but they regrouped and played their best when it mattered most with a beatdown of Spain before booking their ticket with a comfortable win over Poland.

Lithuania relied on, you guessed it, Pukelis who was a walking bucket with 35 points in 5 games to underline his class and experience.

Expectations: Lithuania has built up nicely in recent seasons. They finished runner-up at the World Cup 2022 and have reached the semis at the last four Europe Cups - medalling three times. 

While Pukelis is undoubtedly the talisman, Lithuania have a deep squad and continuity with the same line-up from the OQT.

Sarunas Vingelis and Gintautas Matulis provide plenty of experience, while Evaldas Dziaugys oozes stardom and has formed a devastating one-two punch with Pukelis for Raudondvaris. 

Lithuania has delivered some of the most memorable moments in Olympic basketball and don't be surprised if they add a new chapter in 3x3. 

FIBA