9
Top 100 European Championship Players Revealed
As the 2025 European Basketball Championship approaches, FIBA has tallied player points to reveal the 100 most triumphant players in the tournament’s history. Six Lithuanian basketball players have earned a place on this prestigious list.
Only four players have surpassed the 1000-point mark, and Jonas Valančiūnas is just 177 points away from joining them. With a potential of nine games in the upcoming championship, Valančiūnas needs to average approximately 20 points per game to achieve this milestone.
Joining Valančiūnas on the list are Lithuanian basketball legends Modestas Paulauskas, Arvydas Sabonis, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, and Artūras Karnišovas.
Here’s the Top 10:
1. Pau Gasol (Spain)
Position: Forward/Centre
date of Birth: July 7, 1980
Points: 1183
Games Played: 58
Participations: 7 (2001, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017)
Medals: Gold (2009, 2011, 2015), Silver (2003, 2007), Bronze (2001, 2017)
Pau Gasol tops the list, having surpassed tony Parker in 2017. The Spanish icon secured three European Championship gold medals throughout his career. He was named MVP in 2009 and 2015 and led the tournament in scoring in 2003. Gasol was also selected to the All-Tournament Team in all seven of his appearances.
2. Tony Parker (France)
Position: Point Guard
Date of Birth: May 17, 1982
Points: 1104
Games Played: 66
Participations: 8 (2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015)
Medals: gold (2013), silver (2011), Bronze (2005, 2015)
Tony Parker briefly held the title of all-time leading scorer in 2015 before being overtaken by Pau Gasol. The French legend played in 66 games over eight championships, claiming the championship title in 2013 and earning All-tournament Team honors that same year. He also secured silver in 2011 and bronze medals in 2005 and 2015.
3. Dirk Nowitzki (Germany)
Position: Power Forward
Date of Birth: June 19, 1978
Points: 981
Games Played: 41
Participations: 4 (1999, 2001, 2003, 2005)
Medals: None
4. Modestas Paulauskas (Lithuania)
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: February 29, 1958
Points: 837
Games Played: 30
* Participations: 5 (1981, 1985, 1989,
How did teh political context of Lithuania’s independence influence the importance of Sabonis’s EuroBasket achievements?
Table of Contents
- 1. How did teh political context of Lithuania’s independence influence the importance of Sabonis’s EuroBasket achievements?
- 2. Lithuanian Legends and Valančiūnas’ Quest: Comparing Success at the European Championships with Arvydas Sabonis
- 3. The Weight of History: Basketball in Lithuania
- 4. Arvydas Sabonis: The Pioneer (EuroBasket Dominance)
- 5. Jonas Valančiūnas: Carrying the Torch (Modern Era)
- 6. A Comparative Analysis: Sabonis vs. Valančiūnas at EuroBasket
Lithuanian Legends and Valančiūnas’ Quest: Comparing Success at the European Championships with Arvydas Sabonis
The Weight of History: Basketball in Lithuania
Lithuania’s relationship with basketball transcends sport; it’s woven into the national identity. From the “Basketball Capital” of Kaunas to the fervent support across the country, the game holds a unique place in the hearts of Lithuanians.This passion stems from a history of success, particularly at the European Championships, and is embodied by two legendary figures: Arvydas sabonis and Jonas Valančiūnas. Understanding their achievements, and the context surrounding them, is crucial to appreciating Lithuania’s basketball legacy. The EuroBasket competition is a meaningful event for Lithuanian basketball fans, and consistently draws high viewership.
Arvydas Sabonis: The Pioneer (EuroBasket Dominance)
Arvydas Sabonis, often considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, spearheaded Lithuania’s early post-independence success. His impact on the game is undeniable, influencing generations of players.
EuroBasket 1985 (Soviet Union): While playing for the Soviet Union, Sabonis led the team to a silver medal, showcasing his talent on a global stage.
EuroBasket 1992 (Independent Lithuania): This tournament marked a pivotal moment. Lithuania, newly independent, stunned the world by winning bronze. Sabonis was instrumental, averaging 21.5 points and 13.5 rebounds. this victory wasn’t just a sporting achievement; it was a symbol of national pride and rebirth.
EuroBasket 1995: Sabonis again led Lithuania to a silver medal, solidifying their position as a European basketball powerhouse.
EuroBasket 1997: Another silver medal, further cementing Sabonis’s legacy.
Sabonis’s Style: Known for his extraordinary passing,court vision,and post moves,Sabonis revolutionized the center position. He wasn’t just a scorer; he was a playmaker, a characteristic that continues to influence Lithuanian basketball today. His influence extends to modern big men, inspiring a more versatile style of play.
Jonas Valančiūnas: Carrying the Torch (Modern Era)
Jonas Valančiūnas has emerged as the face of Lithuanian basketball in the 21st century. Drafted 5th overall in the 2011 NBA draft, he has enjoyed a successful NBA career while consistently representing his country with pride. His journey at the European Championships, while different from Sabonis’s, is equally significant.
EuroBasket 2011: Valančiūnas made his EuroBasket debut, contributing to Lithuania’s fifth-place finish.
eurobasket 2013: Lithuania secured a silver medal, with Valančiūnas playing a key role.
EuroBasket 2015: A third-place finish,demonstrating Lithuania’s continued competitiveness.
EuroBasket 2017: Valančiūnas led Lithuania to another third-place finish, averaging 18.3 points and 10.3 rebounds.
EuroBasket 2022: Valančiūnas captained Lithuania to a surprising,yet well-deserved,bronze medal. his leadership and consistent performance were crucial to the team’s success. This tournament highlighted his evolution from a promising young player to a seasoned veteran and leader.
* Valančiūnas’s Style: A dominant rebounder and inside scorer,Valančiūnas brings a physicality and intensity to the game. While his skillset differs from Sabonis’s finesse, his impact is equally profound. He represents the modern evolution of the Lithuanian big man.
A Comparative Analysis: Sabonis vs. Valančiūnas at EuroBasket
Comparing Sabonis and Valančiūnas isn’t about declaring one “better” than the other. It’s about recognizing their distinct contributions to Lithuanian basketball and the different eras they represent.
| Feature | Arvydas Sabonis | Jonas Valančiūnas |
|——————-|————————————————|————————————————|
| Era | Early Post-Independence (1992-1997) | Modern Era (2011-2022) |
| Playing Style | Playmaking Center, Exceptional Passing | Rebounding & Scoring Center, Physicality |
| EuroBasket Medals | 1 Bronze, 3 Silver | 1 Bronze, 2 Silver, 1 Third Place |
| International Competition | Faced political transitions & building a new nation | Established basketball power, higher competition |
| NBA Impact | Limited due to injuries, but highly respected | Successful NBA career, consistent performer |
Key Differences: Sabonis played during a period of national rebuilding, where every victory carried immense symbolic weight.Valančiūnas has benefited from a more established basketball infrastructure and faced tougher competition from other European teams.
Similarities: Both players are fiercely patriotic,dedicated to representing Lithuania,and possess a relentless work ethic. Both have consistently been the focal points of their respective teams at the European Championships