Ąžuolas Tubelis, born March 22, 2002, is a Lithuanian professional basketball player who has carved a name for himself in the sport. He started his career in Lithuania, playing for the U18 team of Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius and winning the 2017–18 Adidas Next Generation Tournament.
His skills caught the attention of the Arizona Wildcats of the Pac-12 Conference, where he played college basketball and was twice named first-team All-Pac-12. Despite not being widely projected for the NBA draft, Tubelis joined the Philadelphia 76ers for the NBA Summer League in 2023, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the sport. His journey so far promises an exciting future in professional basketball.
Azuolas Tubelis – Early Life
Ąžuolas Tubelis was born on March 22, 2002, in Lithuania. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in basketball, a sport that is deeply ingrained in Lithuanian culture. His early years were marked by his dedication to the sport, honing his skills and understanding of the game. His talent was evident when he played for the U18 team of Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius, a prominent basketball club in Lithuania.
His performance in the 2017–18 Adidas Next Generation Tournament, which his team won, highlighted his potential and set the stage for his future career. This early exposure to competitive basketball played a crucial role in shaping Tubelis as a player and paved the way for his journey to the United States to play college basketball.
Azuolas Tubelis – High School Career
Ąžuolas Tubelis did not follow the traditional American high school basketball path. Instead, he spent his formative years playing in Lithuania, where he gained valuable experience competing against older and more experienced players. He played for Vilnius Rytas, a team that has won multiple EuroCup championships and Lithuanian League titles.
Tubelis’ performance in the Next Generation Tournament in Kaunas, where he posted averages of 20.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 steals, earned him the MVP award. This early success in his career, coupled with his participation in the NBA Basketball Without Borders Global Camp, where he was named to the all-star team, highlighted his potential and set the stage for his journey to the United States to play college basketball.
Azuolas Tubelis – College Commitment
Ąžuolas Tubelis, the Lithuanian power forward, began his college basketball career at the University of Arizona in 2020, joining the Wildcats alongside his twin brother, Tautvilas. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, averaging 12.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, earning him spots on the All-Pac-12 honorable mention and All-Freshman Team.
During his time at Arizona, Tubelis achieved several notable milestones:
- He was recognized as a first-team All-Pac-12 player in his sophomore and junior years.
- In a college game against Oregon in February 2023, he scored a career-high 40 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
- His junior year saw him average impressive stats: 19.8 points, 9.1 rebounds, and a 57.0 percent shooting from the field.
- He scored a total of 1,510 career points, which ranks him 15th on Arizona’s all-time scoring list.
Despite these accomplishments, Tubelis was not widely expected to be picked in the NBA draft. There were concerns about his defensive capabilities, especially his ability to guard smaller, faster players in the NBA.
Azuolas Tubelis – NBA Draft
Azuolas Tubelis, the Lithuanian power forward, entered the NBA draft with high hopes after a successful college career at Arizona. However, despite his impressive performances and accolades in college, Tubelis went undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft. This was a surprising turn of events given his proven skills and potential.
Nevertheless, Tubelis remained undeterred and determined to make his mark in the NBA. Following the draft, he was picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers for the NBA Summer League. This opportunity provided Tubelis with a platform to showcase his abilities and compete against some of the best young talents in the sport.
Azuolas Tubelis – National Team Career
Azuolas Tubelis has been a prominent figure in Lithuania’s national team, showcasing his skills in several international tournaments. His first appearance was at the 2016 FIBA U16 European Championship in Radom, where he averaged 4.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. His performance improved significantly by the 2018 FIBA U16 European Championship in Novi Sad, where he averaged 14.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game.
Tubelis continued to represent Lithuania at the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship in Volos, where he averaged an impressive 14.9 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game. His contributions to the national team have been instrumental in their success, and his performances have further solidified his reputation as a promising basketball talent.
Azuolas Tubelis – NBA Journey and Future
Azuolas Tubelis is still in the early stages of his professional basketball career. After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, he joined the Philadelphia 76ers for the NBA Summer League. His performance in the Summer League and subsequent training camps will be crucial in determining his future in the NBA.
As of now, Tubelis has not yet made his mark in the NBA, but his potential is undeniable. His size, combined with his scoring ability and rebounding prowess, make him an intriguing prospect. However, his success at the next level will largely depend on his ability to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NBA, as well as his development in areas such as perimeter shooting and defense.
Given his track record of improvement and adaptation, from his time in Lithuania to his successful college career at Arizona, there is optimism about Tubelis’ ability to develop into a valuable player in the NBA. His journey in the NBA is just beginning, and it will be interesting to see how his career unfolds in the coming years.
Azuolas Tubelis – Personal Life
Azuolas Tubelis is not only known for his basketball skills but also for his strong family ties. He has a twin brother, Tautvilas Tubelis, who also played basketball for the Arizona Wildcats and has represented Lithuania at the international level. The brothers’ shared passion for the sport has undoubtedly strengthened their bond and played a significant role in their basketball journeys.
Azuolas’ first name, which translates to “oak” in Lithuanian, was given to him by his grandfather, indicating a strong connection to his Lithuanian roots. As of now, there is no public information about his personal life beyond his family and basketball career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Azuolas Tubelis get drafted?
No, Azuolas Tubelis declared for the NBA draft but ultimately went undrafted. However, he joined the Philadelphia 76ers for the NBA Summer League, where he had the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially earn a spot in the NBA.
How tall is Tubelis?
Azuolas Tubelis is a towering presence on the basketball court, standing at an impressive 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm) tall. His height gives him a significant advantage in terms of rebounding, shot-blocking, and finishing around the rim.
