Mikalauskas to Forego Final Year of College Basketball Eligibility (The Sports Addict Network)

Former University of Virginia player signs with SIG

ST. GEORGE, VA — Former University of Virginia basketball player Laurynas Mikalauskas announced on Thursday that he will not be returning to school and will be pursuing professional basketball opportunities abroad. Mikalauskas, a huge fan favorite during his three years in Charlottesville, has signed with Michael Lelchitski, an agent for Sports International Group.

“As you all know, I am no longer a member of the University of Virginia's Men's Basketball team,” said Mikalauskas, during a press conference at The Blue Ridge School, his former high school. “I had completed the rehab on my shoulder, and had every intention to be part of the team this coming season. Unfortunately, Coach Leitao informed me last Sunday that my scholarship was no longer available to me due to academic eligibility.”

"I want to thank the University of Virginia for everything it has done for me over the past three years. I especially want to thank the fans, my teammates and all who have supported me during my time here. I hope that they felt the emotion that I played with, and saw that I gave it my all every time I wore the Virginia jersey."

Mikalauskas, who played through a painful shoulder injury that required off-season surgery, said he will always cherish his time as a Cavalier.

"I took great pride in being a student athlete at the University of Virginia,” Mikalauskas said. “I could not see myself transferring to another school, or playing for another college basketball team. Therefore, I have decided to forego my last year of NCAA eligibility and pursue my dream of playing basketball at the professional level. I have retained Sports International Group as my agency and I am excited to work with Mike and the rest of the SIG team."

Mikalauskas, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward known for his grit and hustle, had a season-high 15 points and seven rebounds in a late-season win over Georgia Tech that helped Virginia escape a last-place finish in the ACC. He was expected to be a starter on Coach Dave Leitao’s team this season.

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