VMU Students Lead Lithuania to 3×3 Basketball Gold at the Universiade
The Lithuanian Student 3×3 Basketball Team triumphed at the FISU World University Games (Universiade) held in Germany, claiming gold medals in the tournament’s historic debut. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the entire championship-winning team consisted exclusively of Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) students—marking another milestone in the university’s sporting legacy.
The team prepared for the competition at the VMU President Valdas Adamkus Sports Centre, which continues to grow as a hub for sporting success both nationally and internationally.
Final: A Victorious Finish Against the USA
In the final, Lithuania defeated the tournament favorites—the USA student team—by a score of 21:16. The match was intense, but the Lithuanian side displayed excellent focus, tactical execution, and mental fortitude.
The decisive moment came at the end of the game when Lithuania calmly sank three consecutive long-range shots, sealing the victory and breaking American resistance. Titas Januševičius, Rokas Jocys, and Augustinas Mikštas each scored 6 points, while Gabrielius Čelka added 3. The win reflected not only outstanding individual performances but also strategic preparation by coach Dainius Novickas
The Road to the Title: Confidence and Composure Under Pressure
From the first match, Lithuania’s performance was solid. In the group stage, they secured two victories—against South Africa and Poland—finishing first in their group. The most challenging moment came in the quarterfinals, where Lithuania narrowly edged out Italy in a dramatic 21:20 battle.
That win proved pivotal, showing the team’s ability to handle pressure when it mattered most. In the semifinals, Lithuania dominated the host nation Germany with a commanding 21:13 victory, then completed their golden campaign by taking down basketball powerhouses Team USA in the final.
Coaching Excellence and the Importance of Preparation
The team was coached by one of the world’s top 3×3 specialists, Dainius Novickas—named Lithuania’s Coach of the Year in 2024—assisted by Algirdas Stuknys. For years, they have been systematically developing VMU students and Lithuanian athletes into top-tier 3×3 basketball professionals capable of competing at the highest international level. One of their standout achievements: leading Lithuania to a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The preparation took place at the VMU President Valdas Adamkus Sports Centre—a state-of-the-art facility that meets international standards and develops both university athletes and national team members. The centre has become not just a university asset but a pillar of Lithuania’s national sporting success.
VMU: A Rising Force in International University Sports
This Universiade victory continues an exceptional international campaign for VMU this season. Earlier this summer, VMU athletes dominated the SELL Student Games, where the university delegation earned the most medals among all Baltic universities.
At the EUSA European University Championships, VMU secured three different medals in three separate sports: gold in men’s basketball, silver in women’s beach volleyball, and bronze in badminton. These results place VMU among the top three most decorated universities in Europe in 2025.
Such a wide spectrum of sporting achievements sets VMU apart from other institutions, which typically concentrate their success in only one sport.
The Most Athletic University in Lithuania and the Baltics
Consistent results and a strategic, long-term approach to sports development have firmly established VMU as the most athletic university in Lithuania—and one of the leading sporting institutions in the Baltic region.
VMU has demonstrated a clear vision by investing in coaching excellence, modern infrastructure, international partnerships, and the development of young talent. These efforts result not only in individual athlete success but in victories of national significance.
We proudly congratulate the champions—Titas Januševičius, Rokas Jocys, Augustinas Mikštas, and Gabrielius Čelka—along with their coaches, Dainius Novickas and Algirdas Stuknys. This gold medal is not just a Universiade trophy—it is another powerful symbol of VMU’s contribution to Lithuania’s sporting legacy.