Lithuanian wing Deividas Sirvydis has submitted paperwork to the league office to make himself eligible for the 2019 NBA draft.
"It has always been my dream to play in the NBA, and as such, I am thrilled to be declaring for the NBA draft," Sirvydis told ESPN. "That being said, my sole focus remains on finishing my season with Lietuvos Rytas, which I am hopeful will end by winning the Lithuanian league championship."
Sirvydis, the No. 48 prospect in the ESPN Top 100, is having a productive season in the Lithuanian league and EuroCup, starting 25 games, and averaging 5.4 points in 15 minutes while shooting 36 percent from 3-point range.
"Competing against some of the best players and teams in Europe helped instill a tremendous amount of self-confidence in me and elevated my game," Sirvydis told ESPN. "While the NBA draft simply wasn't on my radar, I always believed in myself and my abilities on the court, and I am so excited to see what lies ahead for me."
Sirvydis was named MVP of the prestigious Adidas Next Generation Tournament at the Euroleague Final Four last May, after helping Lietuvos Rytas' U18 team win the championship in Belgrade. He participated in the NBA Global Camp in Treviso last June, and helped Lithuania qualify for the FIBA U19 World Cup this June at the U18 European Championship in Latvia last August.
Sirvydis has attracted significant attention this season from NBA scouts, not just due to his productivity as an 18-year-old playing at the highest levels of European competition, but also for his size, shooting ability and basketball IQ.
"I am looking forward to showing that I am more than just a 3-point shooter," Sirvydis said. "I believe that, if given the opportunity, I can succeed in the pick-and-roll and be a playmaker. That being said, I am ready to accept whatever role my coaches want me to play."
