Crossing Waters: The Journey of Emilis Zibuda from Lithuanian Roots to California Hoops
In the dynamic world of high school basketball, few stories resonate as vividly as that of Emilis Zibuda, a towering 6'6" shooting guard with roots that stretch from the historic lands of Lithuania to the bustling streets of England. Embarking on a journey that is as inspiring as it is unique, Emilis took the bold step of crossing the Atlantic, setting his sights on the competitive arenas of the United States to forge his path in basketball. His career began with a promising start at DME Academy, where his skills on the court quickly made him a player to watch.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Emilis sought new challenges and opportunities for growth, leading to a pivotal transfer to Veritas, a prestigious basketball program nestled in the heart of California. This move was not just a change in location; it was a leap into one of the most competitive circuits in high school basketball—the EYBL Scholastic. Playing in the EYBL Scholastic offers Emilis the unparalleled opportunity to showcase his talent against the elite, a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game.
Emilis Zibuda's story is one of determination, talent, and the relentless pursuit of a dream, embodying the spirit of international basketball. Through his journey from Lithuania and England to the high stakes of American high school basketball, Emilis continues to push the boundaries, eager to leave his mark on the game he loves.
Enjoy diving into Emilis Zibuda’s inspiring interview!
Discovering the Game: Who was your first basketball coach, and what is one key lesson you learned from them that you still use today?
My Dad introduced me to the game. I wasn't too fond at the start since I didn't enjoy the sport as much because I played soccer at the time. I remember my first shot was a granny shot which I completely airballed, but now I remember how far I've come.
Lessons from the Court: Can you talk about a game you lost that taught you a valuable lesson?
Response: One game I remember was playing against La Lumiere this season, which we lost by a huge number. After the game, I realized how much better I need to be to compare to those guys.
Pre-Game Rituals: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions that help you get into the zone before a match?
Response: I don't have any superstitions before any game except tying my left shoe first then my right since I got used to it.
Skill Development: What aspect of your game have you worked on the most this season, and what impact has that had on your performance?
Response: I think I worked on the physicality aspect of the game the most since I've improved more on defense and gained muscle.
The Role of Technology: In what ways do you use technology or social media to improve your basketball skills or mental game?
Response: I watch Kevin Punter from the Euroleague who inspires me to this day. His craftiness and ability to score makes him a star player in the Euroleague.
Facing Adversity: Can you describe a time when you had to mentally push through a barrier or obstacle?
Response: I faced adversity after the La Lumiere game I mentioned previously. It forced me to evaluate my current situation and made me realize if I was really able to be that 1% who make it in basketball. I overcame it by just working out at 5am every morning with Dino Cook Sr, which gave me more confidence.
Community and Basketball: How does your involvement in basketball contribute to your community or school spirit?
Response: Me playing basketball originally in London aspired many more in London to pursue their dreams in America since that's where everyone wants to go.
Personal Growth: In what ways has playing basketball contributed to your growth off the court?
Response: Basketball helped me mature and become more humble. It made me realize that you won't always be the best, but you need to work to get into the position of greats.
Future Perspectives: Where do you see the journey taking you after high school basketball? Are there any specific colleges or programs you aspire to join?
Response: I would really like to see myself playing for the University of Illinois since the state of Illinois feels like my first home.
Words of Wisdom: What's the most impactful piece of advice you've received related to basketball, and who gave it to you?
Response: The most impactful piece of advice given to me by my Dad is “In every path, good always comes out of it.” It helps me understand that no matter how many hardships I face on my path, It will always lead to good.