Laurynas Mikalauskas is no longer a part of the UVA men’s basketball team. Head Coach Dave Leitao said in a press release that the rising senior will not play again for Virginia.
Affectionately known to fans and teammates as “Lars,” the exuberant 6’8” Lithuanian played with bursts of intensity that revved up the crowd—bodying up to bigger players, attacking in the post, flexing on the court in celebration. He was expected to play a crucial role, possibly as a starter, on Leitao’s first team without Sean Singletary.
It would appear that his off the court demeanor, however, did not entirely fit the “student-athlete” mold, though Leitao did not mention any specifics. “There are standards to be a member of this basketball program, and Laurynas has not lived up to those standards,” Leitao said in the press release. “I will have no additional comment on this situation.”
The Daily Progress tried to contact Mikalauskas, but to no avail.
The bad news came with good news: Tunji Soroye, a 6’11” center, has received a medical redshirt for his injuries last season that limited him to two games. Leitao will give him the scholarship that was opened up when Will Harris decided to transfer. Soroye graduated in the spring and will play as a redshirt senior.
Fans will miss Lars for the reckless joy he brought to the court.
