Gators Men’s Basketball Adds Lithuanian Big Man
Florida men’s basketball added a strong international presence to its frontcourt after signing Lithuanian prospect Artūras Butajevas for the 2026–27 season.
UF coach Todd Golden confirmed the signing earlier this week, describing the freshman forward/center as a physical, energetic player who brings toughness and versatility to the roster.
“He is a hard worker who will fit seamlessly within our program upon arrival,” Golden said. “We are looking forward to him starting workouts with our team this summer.”
Standing at 6-foot-10, Butajevas has steadily built a reputation as a productive player with a blend of physicality and mobility. Before making the jump to college basketball in the United States, he developed his game in Spain with Unicaja Málaga’s youth system, where he averaged 15.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
Butajevas, 19, also arrives with a different perspective and a level of international experience which is uncommon for an incoming college player. He has represented Lithuania in several major competitions, consistently producing against top teams. At the 2025 FIBA U18 EuroBasket, he averaged 13.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, highlighted by a 25-point, 16-rebound performance against Greece. He also competed in the 2024 FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup and the 2023 FIBA U16 European Championship.
With departures impacting Florida’s frontcourt depth, returning contributors such as Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Viktor Mikic are expected to take on larger roles, while Butajevas adds depth and long-term potential in the paint.
He joins a strategic incoming group that includes fellow big man Jones Lay, as Florida continues building around a roster that retains much of its core heading into next season.
With a mix of returning experience and international talent, the Gators appear focused on continuity while also raising their expectations for the future. As Butajevas transitions to the college game, he could become an important developmental piece in Florida’s frontcourt rotation.
Category: College Basketball, Feature Sports News, Gator Sports, Gators Men's Basketball
