Mody Maor believes the NZ Breakers have secured the services of the best Next Star available for the upcoming Australian NBL season.
Mantas Rubstavicius, 21, will join the club for 2023-24 after starring for Lithuania in the European Under-20 championships last year, where he led the competition in scoring.
The 6'7" guard averaged 19.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists a game, inspiring his country to a spot in the final.
While ESPN's Mock draft for 2024 suggests Rubstavicius is only a late second-round pick, Maor is convinced he has a future star on his hands.
"Mantas has been playing against adults, which is not normally the case when you get an 18-year-old," he said.
"It means he will adjust to the NBL faster, allow him to showcase his talents earlier, and help us win.
"Out of all the potential Next Stars who are available this year, Mantas is the one player who cares about winning more than anything else.
"One of the things we've learned over the years with our Next Stars is that if you can find a player that truly loves basketball and truly cares about winning, then you have a shot of being successful with it.
"Through all our research, we found Mantas to be exactly that."
Rubstavicius averaged 7.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 17 minutes for Lietkabelis Panevezys in the Lithuanian league this season.
He has also already been capped for the Lithuania senior national team, scoring 12 points in 16 minutes against Hungary in World Cup qualifying.
"I can't wait to play for the New Zealand Breakers next season," Rubstavicius said.
"I know that the Next Stars program has helped a number of young talents. Many players from this program went on to the NBA after successful seasons.
"Personally, I am coming to the NBL to learn, improve and help my team be successful as a group."
