Lithuanian Basketball Player Navigates Global Circuit,From Egyptian Leagues to Venezuelan Streets
TAIPEI,Taiwan – For 36-year-old Edvinas Želionis,a professional basketball career has meant a life perpetually in transit,bouncing between leagues across four continents and navigating environments ranging from the relatively familiar to the undeniably precarious. His journey offers a rare glimpse into the frequently enough-unseen world of the international basketball player – a conveyor belt of constant movement where chance and risk coexist.
Želionis’s path began with stints in Europe, but quickly expanded to include increasingly unconventional destinations.He first experienced the differences in basketball infrastructure while playing for Alexandria (egypt), comparing the level of competition to Lithuania‘s National Basketball League (NKL). A subsequent move to Saudi Arabia with Memus “all Weather” presented a unique challenge: a league populated by players treating basketball as a secondary income, with coaches constantly cycling through new recruits in mecca’s “al Wehda” club. “The coach from Lebanon was wholly overwhelmed – every day he came to pick up a new player. For locals, basketball was like a second job: they work during the day, play in the evening,” Želionis recalled.
Following brief returns to France,pasval’s “Pieno žvaigdės,” and Klaipėda,Želionis ventured to Venezuela in 2024,a nation often shadowed by political instability. Despite concerns, he reported a surprisingly secure experience. “During the day, I did not see armed people on the streets. The police accompanied us if we went somewhere, but there where no incidents with civilians,” he said, noting the disparity between perceived and actual danger.
A short period in Cancun, Mexico, followed, described as a “fairy tale” environment but ultimately just another job. Currently,Želionis is in his fourth season playing in Taiwan,first with New Taipei CTBC DEA (2022-2024) and now with kaohsiung Aquas (2024-Present). He also had a brief stint with Tumarino ”Marish BBC” in venezuela and Contrants “El Calor” in Misicia, both in 2024.
Želionis’s career highlights the realities faced by players seeking opportunities beyond the major leagues – a constant search for work, adaptation to diverse cultures, and a willingness to navigate environments where safety isn’t always guaranteed. his story raises questions about the support systems available to these athletes and the risks they undertake to continue their profession. The athlete has yet to comment on his future plans, including a potential return to Lithuania or the length of his continued career.
