KLAIPEDA (Lithuania) - Mindaugas Kuzminskas has announced that Monday's game against Estonia in the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers will be his last for Lithuania.
The 35-year-old has spent over a decade playing for the senior national team; playing in four EuroBaskets, three FIBA Basketball World Cups and the Olympic Games in 2016.
My time on the court is over, but in my heart, I’ll always be part of this team.
Kuzminskas was part of the Lithuania squads that achieved back-to-back silver medals at EuroBasket in 2013 and 2015, and took to social media to reveal his decision, on Sunday.
"This might be the hardest speech I’ve ever had to make.
"I think every kid in Lithuania who picks up a basketball dreams of one thing—wearing the national team jersey. That dream came true for me, and I was lucky enough to live it for over a decade, representing my country, fighting for its honor, and wearing "Lietuva" on my chest.
"Every championship, every battle, every emotion—these are moments I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
"But as with everything in life, everything that has a beginning has an end. I feel that now is the right moment to say thank you and step aside. From now on, I’ll be watching from the sidelines, cheering on our incredible young generation as they continue to play with the same passion and heart in representing our country.
"It wasn’t an easy decision in my heart, but it feels right in my head —I know I’ve given everything I had to the national team.
"I want to thank everyone who has been part of this amazing journey. First, my family—you sacrificed so much, especially when it came to time together, but you always supported and encouraged me to play for the national team. I love you all so much. To my parents, my brother, and my sister— who not only taught me to love the game, but even more importantly to love and be proud of my country.
"I hope to pass that same feeling on to my own kids.
"A huge thank you to all the coaches who had the toughest job—because in the eyes of the people, when the team wins, it’s all about the players, but when we lose, it’s always on the coach.
"To my teammates—with whom we shared the joys and disappointments. The best memories of my basketball career have come with them.
"To the federation and particularly the team staff—you may not get the headlines, but you are the foundation of the Lithuanian national team.
"And finally, to you—the fans. You have always been, and will always be, the engine that drives this team. Your support, your voices in the stands, and your love for basketball are something truly special. I’ll never forget the chills I got every time we all sang the national anthem together.
"Thank you for every moment, for believing in me, for the well-earned criticism, and for letting me live the dream of every little kid in Lithuania.
"Lietuva, thank you for this journey. My time on the court is over, but in my heart, I’ll always be part of this team."
FIBA