Last 2025–2026 season, I. Urbonas spent time representing both the main Vilnius “Rytas” team and the youth squad in the National Basketball League (“URBO-NKL”).
The “Rytas-2” basketball player played 34 games and was one of the main contributors to the team’s victories. In an average of 29 minutes of play, he scored 14.8 points, grabbed 6.8 rebounds, made 4 assists, stole 1.3 balls, and recorded an average efficiency rating of 20. Such successful play brought the Utena native the official NKL season “Young Talent” award.
“We are glad that Ignas remains on the team. We believe he can provide ‘Rytas’ with quality and energy, and this season we see him as a solid member of the main team. Ignas has a very strong character, is ambitious, and is not afraid to compete, so we believe he can be an equal team member alongside other players. Much will depend on Ignas himself – his work, attitude, and desire to improve. It is always important for us that young players who have grown up in our system join the main team, so we are happy to give Ignas this opportunity and believe in his potential.” – said “Rytas” sports director A. Jomantas.
I. Urbonas last season increasingly knocked on the main team’s door. In the Lithuanian Basketball League, supported by “Betsson,” the player was registered for 13 games, during which he averaged 13 minutes on the court, scored 4.3 points, grabbed 2.3 rebounds, and made 1.6 assists.
The young talent also got a chance last season in the FIBA Champions League, where in a game against Istanbul’s “Galatasaray” he managed to distribute 4 assists in 4 minutes.
On the international stage, the player has already achieved important victories with youth teams. Representing “Rytas,” he became the FIBA Youth Champions League winner and the tournament’s most valuable player two years in a row (2024 and 2025).
“I came to the ‘Rytas’ youth system from Utena at just 14 years old. I played a year in the ‘Rytas-3’ team, and through hard work and discipline, I rose up until I started playing for the reserves. I fell in love with this club, the city, and the people. Later, I began to get chances in the main team, which meant an incredible amount to me as a young basketball player. But now, receiving an offer with a real role from one of the strongest Lithuanian teams is an exceptional recognition. I am grateful to the entire ‘Rytas’ system that helped me mature to this level of player. We do not stop working – nothing is finished, everything is just beginning. I am very much looking forward to full arenas and fans thirsty for fights and victories because everyone bows to ‘Rytas’.” – said I. Urbonas.
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