If you’re wondering who Augustas Marčiulionis is, look no further—he’s the Lithuanian point guard lighting up the NCAA for Saint Mary’s Gaels as of March 24, 2025. Born on March 21, 2002, in Vilnius, Lithuania, this 6’4” talent has quickly become a standout player in college basketball. With a heritage tied to basketball royalty as the son of Hall of Famer Šarūnas Marčiulionis, Augustas carries a legacy while carving his own path. This blog dives into his journey, stats, and what’s making waves about him in 2025.
Early Days and Lithuanian Roots
Augustas didn’t jump straight into basketball. He actually started with tennis at age five, swinging a racket before school life shifted his focus. His father’s influence eventually pulled him to the hardwood, where he trained at the Šarūnas Marčiulionis Basketball Academy. Early coaches like Rolando Peniko shaped his fundamentals. By 2018, he debuted professionally with BC Perlas in Lithuania’s NKL, showing promise as a scrappy guard. Two years later, he joined Rytas Vilnius in the LKL, playing under amateur contracts to keep his NCAA eligibility intact. That decision paid off when he signed with Saint Mary’s in 2021.
His Lithuanian roots run deep. Playing for the senior national team in 2020 during EuroBasket qualifiers gave him a taste of high-level competition early on. Augustas blends European flair—think crafty ball-handling and sharp court vision—with an American-style hustle that’s winning fans stateside.
Augustas Marčiulionis: Stats That Speak Volumes
Now in his fourth year with Saint Mary’s, Augustas has hit his stride in the 2024-25 season. Let’s break down his numbers as of mid-March 2025:
| Category | 2024-25 Stats | Career High |
|---|---|---|
| Points per Game | 16.0 | 28 (Feb 16, 2024) |
| Assists per Game | 8.7 | 12 (Jan 5, 2020) |
| Rebounds per Game | 3.3 | 11 (Jan 5, 2020) |
| Field Goal % | 44.7% | 68.8% (Feb 16, 2024) |
| Three-Point % | 35.8% | – |
These stats reflect a player peaking at the right time. Highlights include a 25-point, seven-assist masterpiece against Oregon State and a 24-point outing versus Santa Clara. Named the 2023-24 WCC Player of the Year, he’s proving that award was no fluke. Teammate Paulius Murauskas, another Lithuanian star, complements him well, making Saint Mary’s a dark horse in the WCC.
What Sets Him Apart
Augustas brings a unique mix to the court. His quickness off the dribble catches defenders off guard, and his balance on jumpers—reminiscent of Gabe York—keeps opponents guessing. Coaches rave about his decision-making; he rarely wastes a possession. Off the ball, his hustle shines through with steals and blocks, like the monster swat against Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard last season.
Yet, he’s not perfect. Critics point to an inconsistent shot release and a tendency to shy away from shots after early misses. Physically, he’s still filling out his 180-pound frame, which can hurt him against bulkier guards. But at 23, there’s room to grow, and his work ethic suggests he will.
Augustas Marčiulionis: NBA Buzz in 2025
Scouts are taking notice. ESPN’s latest 2025 NBA Draft projections place Augustas in the early second round, a jump from previous years. His stock rose after standout games this season, like the 19-point, seven-assist effort against Washington State. Analysts see a player with starter potential if he bulks up and refines his shot.
Comparisons float around—think Jarrett Jack or a taller JJ Barea in their college days. Augustas shares their craftiness but needs to boost his athleticism. Off the court, his friendship with Arizona’s Azuolas Tubelis hints at a tight-knit Lithuanian hoops circle pushing each other forward. Could he follow his dad into the NBA? Time will tell.
Off the Court: The Person Behind the Player
Beyond stats, Augustas keeps it real. He loves mac and cheese, pizza, and home-cooked meals—a relatable guy despite his lineage. Growing up, he idolized Michael Jordan, Brandon Jennings, and Chris Paul, influences you can spot in his crossover-heavy style. Daily gym sessions in Lithuania built his discipline, though he admits progress felt slow at times.
Fans adore his grit. Social media buzzes after big games, with clips of his assists and blocks racking up views. Trending chatter on X calls him a “sleeper pick” for the draft, though some debate if he’ll stay another year at Saint Mary’s. Either way, his story resonates—proof that hard work can outshine even the brightest legacy.
Challenges and Growth Ahead
No journey lacks bumps. Augustas struggles under pressure at times, a knock from his early pro days in Lithuania. Leadership comes naturally in smooth games, but tougher moments test him. Improving his frame remains key; he’s not the explosive leaper some guards are, and that shows on defense against bigger foes.
Still, his growth is undeniable. From a skinny kid in Vilnius to a WCC star, he’s added muscle and poise each year. This season’s double-double against Akron (11 points, 11 assists) shows he’s rounding out his game. Saint Mary’s coach Randy Bennett calls him “a sponge”—always learning, always adapting.
Why He Matters in 2025
Augustas represents more than stats. He’s part of a Lithuanian wave hitting the NCAA, alongside names like Murauskas and Kasparas Jakučionis. Their success challenges Gonzaga’s WCC reign and spotlights European talent. For Saint Mary’s, he’s the engine driving an 18-3 start to the season, with eyes on March Madness glory.
His story inspires, too. Not every kid with a famous dad makes it this far on merit. Augustas has. Whether he lands in the NBA or dominates college longer, he’s a name to watch as 2025 unfolds.
Share your thoughts on Augustas Marčiulionis’s journey in the comments below! Who’s your favorite rising star in college hoops?