Rimas Kurtinaitis
Key Career Moment of Rimas Kurtinaitis
Rimas Kurtinaitis cemented his legendary status in 1986 when he led the Soviet Union to a gold medal at the FIBA World Championship.
His clutch three-point shooting in the final against the United States showcased his ability to perform under pressure. One of his most iconic performances came in 1985 when he scored 62 points in a single game for algiris Kaunas, a record that still stands in Lithuanian basketball history.
Unique Skill of Rimas Kurtinaitis
Rimas Kurtinaitis was one of the deadliest long-range shooters of his era, earning the nickname The Lithuanian Rifle.
Rimas Kurtinaitis (born 15 May ) is a Lithuanian professional basketball coach and former player who is currently the head coach of the Lithuania men's national team and Sabah BC. As a player, he was a member of the senior Soviet and Lithuanian national basketball teams and won a gold medal at the
His quick release and deep range made him a pioneer of modern three-point shooting, influencing future NBA stars. His ability to hit contested shots from well beyond the arc was unmatched in European basketball during the 1980s.
Rimas Kurtinaitis's Stats
- 2-time EuroLeague champion (1985, 1986)
- 1986 FIBA World Championship gold medalist
- 62-point game in 1985 (Lithuanian League record)
Rimas Kurtinaitis's Legacy in the NBA
Though Rimas Kurtinaitis never played in the NBA, his impact on global basketball is undeniable.
Rimas Kurtinaitis is a basketball player born on in Kaunas. His height is six foot five (1m96 / ). He is a shooting guard who most recently played for Rytas Vilnius in Lithuania - .
His shooting prowess inspired generations of European players, including future NBA stars like Arvydas Sabonis and arnas Mariulionis. A unique fact: Kurtinaitis once made 10 three-pointers in a single game-decades before the NBA embraced long-range shooting as a dominant strategy. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazer who helped bridge European and American basketball styles.