On March 31, the 2024–2025 Lithuanian Students Basketball League (LSKL) champions were crowned at the “Švyturio” arena in Klaipėda. The title went to Vytautas Magnus University (VDU), who defeated Vilnius University (VU) 108:86 (21:24, 29:14, 29:22, 29:26) in the final. This victory marked VDU’s tenth straight championship and twentieth overall in league history.
A Convincing Victory for VDU
VU’s student team made its debut in the LSKL grand final. In the second quarter, they briefly held the lead, but by the end of the period VDU had started to take control. In the second half, the favorite became clear. VDU played more confidently, executed their plays more effectively, shot with greater accuracy, and steadily extended their lead. By the end of the game, the point difference had grown to double digits, leaving VU without realistic chances to mount a comeback.
Claiming a tenth consecutive and twentieth overall LSKL championship is more than just a sporting achievement. It reflects the strength of VDU’s system – a result of consistent institutional work, the combined effort of the entire university community, and a success story whose impact extends beyond the basketball court.
Most Valuable Player – Gabrielius Čelka
The final’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to VDU’s Gabrielius Čelka. In just 20 minutes of play, he scored 12 points (6/7 two-pointers), grabbed 8 rebounds, dished out 4 assists, and posted a game-high efficiency rating of 25. According to Čelka, the team often takes time to find its rhythm, but once it does, it becomes hard to stop.
Gabrielius continues to stand out as one of Lithuania’s brightest young athletes. In 2024, he became the country’s most decorated student athlete, collecting an impressive seven medals: bronze at the FIBA European 3×3 Championship, gold at the FISU World 3×3 Championship, gold and bronze in the EUSA Championships (5×5 and 3×3 formats, respectively), an LSKL gold medal, and two more bronzes at the SELL Games (3×3 and 5×5 competitions).
Long-Term Leadership by VDU
Vytautas Magnus University won its first LSKL championship in 2001. Over the past two decades, it has grown into one of the leading student basketball systems in Lithuania. The team is known for its consistency, professional coaching staff, and the ability to field a competitive roster every season. Ten consecutive titles in LSKL only confirm the university’s long-term focus and high standards.
VDU’s basketball program also operates teams in Lithuania’s NKL, RKL, and RKL-B divisions. Many national student teams – as well as youth and senior 3×3 national squads – are built around players studying at VDU. In fact, last year, Lithuania’s Olympic bronze-winning national 3×3 team trained at the university’s sports center.
