The Centre for Basketball Studies and Research, headed by an experienced basketball professional, alumnus of the University Ramūnas Butautas, will open its doors at Lithuanian Sports University. R. Butautas will be joined by other renowned basketball scientists and practitioners, including assistant professor, coach, European Women’s Basketball Champion Rasa Kreivytė, scientists and teachers Daniele Conte, Kęstutis Matulaitis, Edas Nickus and other basketball specialists.
According to R. Butautas, the head of the Centre for Basketball Studies and Research, the Centre is very important for the country’s basketball. “Lithuanian Sports University has extensive experience and is the only one in Lithuania to train coaches, and special attention is paid to the training of basketball professionals. Victories in basketball are inseparable from the University alumni, well-known Lithuanian national teams and famous club coaches. I am delighted that the Centre will bring together experienced researchers and practitioners and pass on knowledge to future professionals,” said R. Butautas.
The head of the Centre for Basketball Studies and Research also expects a lot from the cooperation with the Lithuanian Basketball Federation and plans for joint activities with the Lithuanian, National and Regional Basketball Leagues. It is also intended to seek and strengthen relations with the most famous basketball scientists abroad and to look for new partnerships. R. Butautas says that basketball is a dynamic, ever-changing sport discipline, which requires special attention not only for interest but also for innovation.
„It is very important to use our theoretical knowledge and research findings in practical training of specialists. We are planning to form several University student basketball teams and provide opportunities to do internships at national basketball clubs. We will organize various tests, as well as research on gaming activities and statistics,” said R. Butautas.
R. Butautas, the new head of the LSU Centre for Basketball Studies and Research, is one of the most prominent alumni. In 1987, he graduated from the Sports Faculty of the Lithuanian State Institute of Physical Education (present LSU) and acquired a specialty of a basketball coach-teacher. In 2002, he defended his dissertation at Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education (present LSU).
R. Butautas is a famous Lithuanian basketball coach. From 2007 to 2009, he was the head coach of the Lithuanian national team. The team won bronze medals at the European Championship in Spain in 2007. R. Butautas has worked in various basketball clubs in Lithuania and abroad.
His father Stepas Butautas, a renowned University alumnus and basketball legend.
