Teesside Lions have announced their second early signing ahead of the new season with EABL Finalist Benas Maldutis from Myerscough.

The 19 year old Lithuanian guard finished this season as an EABL North Conference Champion and National finalist with Myerscough. Recently he earned MVP for his 27pt haul in the Manchester Prem Final.

His love for basketball has grown since he picked up a ball at the age of four. At ten years old he was playing National League competition, and proudly represented the East Midlands at 14 years old. He reached the U16 Dynamic Schools Finals with Northampton School for Boys. At U18 Benas won the U18 National League conference title with Northants Thunder, and he also made it to the National Championship Final of the 3x3 Ball Out competition.

Maldutis will now move to the area and play for Teesside Lions alongside studying at Teesside University.

The athletic guard is the second player to commit to Teesside University ahead of next season with the University recruitment forming a key part of the club strategy for Teesside boss, and University Coach James Thomson.

“Benas joins Sheja Gakuba in a major double coup for the Teesside University programme. We have worked hard on bringing stellar student athletes to Teesside to enhance the BUCS team and also provide a strong, committed core for the National League team.

“We have an exciting training programme that will aim to develop players to their fullest potential, and the equipment and opportunities at Teesside University are among the best in the UK for Sports Science, which will help us take players to that next level.” Said James.

Benas is the third player to play for Teesside University from Northampton, following in the footsteps of former teammate Toby Scully, and fellow Northampton guard Temi Olusesi who arrived in 2023.

Benas is a determined individual with great athleticism. He is an all-round guard with strong scoring ability along with a creative side that teammates enjoy to play with. He has also played National League Division Two with Myerscough and played against Teesside in February.

The Lithuanian connection will grow upon his arrival with Lions Head Coach Serge Bojev also hailing from the European country, renowned for their basketball.

Maldutis is excited about his new chapter, adding: “I am looking forward to joining up with my new teammates. I am also eager to begin life at Teesside University. I will be studying Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation; and from my visit to meet with Coach Thomson, and tour Teesside University Campus, I was very impressed.

“I find every aspect of sport incredibly interesting, especially how the body responds to physical activity, and the crucial role of rehabilitation in helping athletes recover.

“The Campus is modern and well-equipped, making it a great place to learn and relax. I am really looking forward to meeting new people, and sharing my passion for sports, as I believe connecting with fellow students will enhance my experience and create lasting friendships.”

Benas will also join the club’s coaching team and be involved with the junior community programme as well as junior National League player development, bringing a wealth of experience with him to share with young players at the club.

Teesside will be in a better position next season, according to James, adding:

“Serge and I have had in-depth conversations on how we want to shape the team, and club overall. We want dedicated players who buy into our vision. Last season was not a fond one, partly due to injuries, but there was something not quite right, and we identified this mid-way through the campaign, and started on our strategy revolution early. 

“Benas represents exactly the kind of player we want. He wants to prove his ability, he wants to coach the kids at the club and he wants to embrace Teesside as a new home. His enthusiasm and passion for basketball and progression is clear, and I am sure he will be a firm fan favourite.”

For more information on how you could study at Teesside University, please visit www.Tees.ac.uk and if you would like to speak with someone regarding international placements at Teesside email internationalenquiries@tees.ac.uk

If you are interested in playing basketball at Teesside University, get in touch with James Thomson via Roar@TeessideLions.com