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Rutgers men's basketball coach Fred Hill announced Monday that forward Gilvydas Biruta has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete for the Scarlet Knights.
A nationally-ranked power forward prospect by ESPN, Biruta (6-8, 240) plays for head coach Dan Hurley at nearby St. Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark and has international experience competing for Lithuania's junior national team.
"The first thing that jumps out about Gilvydas' game is the effort he puts forth on the floor," said Hill. "He's an aggressive player with good size, strength and athleticism. He has the ability to step outside, make plays for his teammates and knock down shots. We are very excited to welcome him into the program."
Competing for St. Benedict's, Biruta earned ESPN-Rise National High School Invitational Third Team All-Star honors in April, 2009. Last season, he helped the team to a 24-3 record and a No. 7 national ranking in the final USA Today Super 25 Poll. The Gray Bees enter the 2009-10 campaign ranked No. 10 in the USA Today Super 25 Preseason Poll. Biruta will become the second St. Benedict's product to compete for the Scarlet Knights, joining current sophomore center Gregory Echenique.
On the international circuit, Biruta played in nine games for the Lithuania U18 National Team at the European Championship in Metz, France in July 2009. He shot 59 percent overall, including 50 percent from behind the arc, to help the team to a 7-2 record at the Championship. Biruta also competed with the Lithuania U18 National Team at the 2008 European Championship in Greece and helped the squad to a silver medal finish.
Biruta, ranked as a four-plus prospect by HSBI Report, is poised to become the fourth international player on the RU roster next season. He will join Echenique, guard Muhamed Hasani (Pristina, Kosovo) and center Brian Okam (Enugu, Nigeria).
Biruta is the second student-athlete to sign with the Scarlet Knights during the fall period. Rutgers announced on Nov. 13 that guard Austin Carroll had signed an N.L.I. to attend the State University of New Jersey. An NBA Players Association Top 100 Camp participant and Bob Gibbons All-Tournament of Champions choice, Carroll is currently a post-graduate student at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H.
SOURCE: RUTGERS
