Gintaras Einikis (born September 30, 1969 in Kretinga, Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, USSR) is a retired controversial Lithuanian professional basketball player. He stands at 6 ft 10 in (208 cm) and is former Lithuanian basketball center for the Lithuanian national team. Einikis is the only player from the Lithuanian national team to have won all three consecutive bronze medals at the Olympics in Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney.[1]
[edit] Player career
In 1987, the 18-year-old Einikis arrived at Žalgiris to replace his injured teammate Arvydas Sabonis. He established himself as a strong and aggressive defender, an excellent center and a surprisingly accurate three-point shooter. When Sabonis left Žalgiris, Einikis continued his career as a starter. In 1995, he left for Avtodor Saratov. After dominating with Avtodor, Einikis moved to CSKA Moscow. After 2 moderate seasons, he moved to Idea-Slask, where he averaged 9 points per game and 4.4 rebounds per game in 22 minutes of Euroleague action. He moved back to Zalgiris, contributing more to the team. During the last years of his career, however, his averages fell drastically. He retired after the 2005-06 season.
[edit] Controversies
In 2008, Einikis participated in altercation with a night club's staff, yelling insults, threatening physical harm and refusing to leave the club.[2] He and his friend were fined with 3,000 Litas.
After the incident, Einikis was spotted leaving the club in his car Volkswagen Touareg. Because he had lost his license a year ago after his involvement in a hit and run accident, he was fined with additional 2,500 Litas.[3] During the accident, it is speculated that he was on cocaine. The police discovered cocaine powder in his car.[4]
In 2011, Einikis, heavily intoxicated, with 5.11 per mil blood-alcohol concentration, went to his friend's house and threatened to kill her by setting her house on fire. He was later arrested and charged with threats of arson and assault.[5]
[edit] Awards/achievements
- Lithuanian League Champion - 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2003
- Lithuanian League MVP - 1995
- European Silver Medalist - 1995
- Champion of Russian League - 2000
- Champion of Polish League - 2004
- ULEB Cup winner - 2005
[edit] References
[edit] External links
| Persondata |
| Name |
Einikis, Gintaras |
| Alternative names |
|
| Short description |
Basketball player |
| Date of birth |
September 30, 1969 |
| Place of birth |
|
| Date of death |
|
| Place of death |
|
Lithuanian
