Zalgiris Kaunas has officially announced the significant signing of Azuolas Tubelis, a 23-year-old Lithuanian forward, to a 2+1 contract for the upcoming season. This move sees Tubelis, who stands at 211cm (later specified as 2.08 meters), join the reigning Lithuanian champions, stepping into the role previously held by Serbian big man Alen Smailagic, who has since moved to Virtus Bologna.

For Tubelis, this transfer represents the culmination of a lifelong ambition: "Playing in the EuroLeague has always been my goal and dream. I have been striving for this since childhood, so I could not pass up this opportunity." He also expressed his excitement about joining Zalgiris, describing it as "a top-level organization that is renowned for its professionalism, traditions, and an incredibly passionate fan community."

Tubelis arrives from Rytas Vilnius, notably Zalgiris's perennial rivals, where he was a well-known figure in the Lithuanian LKL. He is a product of the Rytas youth system, making his professional debut with the club and also spending a season on loan at Perlas Vilnius. His career also includes a successful stint in college basketball at the University of Arizona, where he earned postseason honors in all three seasons, including being named to the Pac-12 Conference All-Freshman team in 2021 and the all-conference first team in the subsequent two years.

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Upon his return to Lithuania, he played for Neptunas Klaipeda, averaging an impressive 17.5 points and 7 rebounds, which earned him Lithuanian League MVP honors. Furthermore, Tubelis has represented Lithuania at both junior and senior international levels, showcasing his talent on the national stage.

In his last season with Rytas Vilnius, Tubelis averaged 12.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game in the Lithuanian League. His performances in the LKL Finals against Zalgiris were particularly notable and impactful. He recorded 21 points and 8 rebounds in Game 1, helping Rytas secure a crucial home-court advantage in Kaunas. He continued his strong form with 13 points and 9 rebounds in a Game 3 victory and closed the series with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds in the decisive Game 5. In the Basketball Champions League, the talented forward contributed 9.9 points, 6.1 to 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.

Acknowledging the rivalry between Rytas Vilnius and Zalgiris Kaunas, Tubelis stated, "I am not the first Vilnius player to change teams and come to Kaunas; I know that this step will be met with mixed reactions, but I am determined to prove with my work and play that I am worthy of being here." He further emphasized his drive, stating, "Competition has always been one of the biggest driving forces for me.

It makes me move forward, strive for more, and never stand still." Tubelis concluded on the team’s website by expressing his readiness for the challenges ahead: "I am looking forward to starting a new stage, I am ready to accept all the challenges that await me and focus only on a positive future with Žalgiris."

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Tubelis's transfer is part of the ongoing dynamic changes in EuroLeague rosters for the 2025-26 season. Other significant moves include Paris Basketball's expected signing of 20-year-old Senegalese ex-international center Mouhamed Faye, who impressed with averages of 10.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game for Unahotels Reggio Emilia in Italy, earning him the Eurobasket.com All-Italian League Best Prospect of the Year award.

Additionally, AX Armani Exchange Milano confirmed that 29-year-old international shooting guard Diego Flaccadori will remain on their roster for the 2025-26 season. The EuroLeague continues to be a highly competitive environment, as evidenced by the intense match-ups and performances throughout the recent season, featuring standout players like Carsen Edwards of Bayern, who averaged 20.4 points and was named Player of the Week for Round 34, and Kendrick Nunn of Panathinaikos.