Aug. 28, 2008

CHARLOTTESVILLE – The Daily Progress, which has written extensively about Laurynas Mikalauskas since his Aug. 18 dismissal from the U.Va. basketball team, reports that the 6-8, 245-pound post player will discuss his plans at a “press conference” this afternoon at Blue Ridge School in Greene County.

          I will not be able to attend said event, but I’m told that Mikalauskas is expected to announce he’ll hire an agent and play professionally in his native Lithuania rather than transfer to another school for his final season of college eligibility. 

He turns 23 in October, so Mikalauskas may not want to wait till he’s nearly 25 before he starts earning some money.  He would have to sit out the coming season as a transfer at a Division I school.

Mikalauskas starred at Blue Ridge before enrolling at U.Va., where he played three seasons for coach Dave Leitao. When he announced Mikalauskas’ dismissal, Leitao said in a statement that there “are standards to be a member of this basketball program, and Laurynas has not lived up to those standards.”

          Poor grades were among Mikalauskas’ issues.  U.Va. has placed Mikalauskas on academic suspension, the Daily Progress reported, but he hopes to return to the university next year to finish the requirements for his bachelor’s degree.

Posted by Jeff White in • College Sports • University of Virginia
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