Lars says goodbye

By Whitey Reid

Published: August 28, 2008

Prior to his Thursday afternoon press conference at Blue Ridge School, former Virginia forward Lars Mikalauskas said he wasn’t going to get emotional when it came time to address the reasons for his dismissal from the UVa program.

But just a couple of minutes into his farewell speech, it was obvious that wasn’t going to be the case.

Dressed in a gray suit and sporting a new businesslike hairdo, the Lithuanian’s eyes welled with tears as he spoke to a small gathering of television and print media.

“When I found out [12] days ago, it was a really sad situation,” Mikalauskas said. “I felt terrible, but at the same time I’m excited to become a professional now.”

That was the crux of Mikalauskas’ announcement. Sitting to his right during the press conference was Michael Lelchitski, an agent for Sports International Group.

“Lars is going to have a lot of great opportunities to play,” Lelchitski said. “He’s a great player and people know who he is. He’s had a lot of exposure at UVa and will be able to entertain offers from a variety of top teams in Europe. I feel confident that he’ll have his choice of what country he wants to go.”

Contrary to an on-line report on Thursday, there is zero chance that Mikalauskas will be playing in his native Lithuania. The 6-foot-8, 240-pounder will likely sign with a team in Italy, Spain or Russia.

However, Mikalauskas’ future plans may include playing for the Lithuanian national team. Mikalauskas said that he has already been invited to try out for next year’s squad.

“I’m looking forward to maybe playing in the Olympics in London in 2012,” he said.

During the 12-minute press conference, Mikalauskas expressed no resentment toward Virginia coach Dave Leitao. Mikalauskas repeatedly took responsibility for the academic suspension that led to his dismissal.

The only hint of dissatisfaction came when Mikalauskas talked about the time frame of Leitao’s decision.

“I wish I had known this earlier in the summer,” he said, “so I could have had more exposure overseas, but it is what is and now I have to deal with it.”

Mikalauskas, who said his expulsion from the program was caused mainly by his performance in one anthropology class this summer — Leitao has not elaborated on the circumstances leading to Mikalauskas’ dismissal — vowed to return to Virginia over the next two summers so that he can complete his degree. He said he has already been in touch with his academic dean, who has given him advice on how to best accomplish that objective.

“Completing my degree is very important to me and I plan on coming back as soon as possible,” he said.

Sitting to Mikalauskas’ left during the press conference was Blue Ridge coach Bill Ramsey and his wife, Margaret. The couple served as Mikalauskas’ legal guardians when Mikalauskas came to the United States in the ninth grade. The Ramseys’ children, Cal and Emily, were also on hand.

“These last three years were very special — going to all of his games and traveling to the ACC Tournament,” said Bill Ramsey. “[This] was kind of a shocker. It happened real fast, but I feel like he has some great opportunities already. … I think he’ll be gainfully employed within a month or so. We’re excited for Lars.”

It was toward the end of his prepared statement when Mikalauskas seemed to become most emotional.

“I especially want to thank the fans. Go Wahoos!” said Mikalauskas as he pumped his fist. “I really hope that they felt the emotion that I played with and saw that I gave it my all every time I stepped on the court in a Virginia jersey — number 11.

“I took great pride in being a student-athlete at Virginia and couldn’t see myself transferring to another school or playing for another program.”