Dustin Sleva, an emblematic figure from the early days of Paris Basketball, where he played from 2018 in Pro B until his departure in January 2023 due to a lack of playing time, has extended his contract with Žalgiris Kaunas. After being loaned to Braunschweig and then playing for Murcia and Besiktas, he found his place within the Lithuanian club this season.
In the Euroleague, Sleva has established himself as one of Žalgiris’ most reliable players, recognized for his energy, versatility, and competitive spirit on both ends of the court. The American averages 6.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and a performance index rating of 6.3 per game.
“At the beginning of the year, my goal was simply to survive and find my place in the Euroleague,” he confessed. “I was doing everything to stay on the court. Once I found my rhythm, I started to truly appreciate Kaunas and realized that basketball is a real religion here. The support from the fans, whether in victory or defeat, is incredible. Moreover, the support and work of the entire administration are at the highest level I’ve ever encountered in eight years of my career. I’ve integrated perfectly; not many places value what you do as much. Here, the administration, coaching staff, and fans appreciate my efforts, which is very important to me.”
Sleva also emphasized that the negotiations for this extension were quick.
“Honestly, it didn’t drag on. I told my agent that I felt at home here. I stated my wishes, and Žalgiris met them. Sportingly, this is the most important club for me, so the decision was easy. People might say the city isn’t the prettiest, but it’s home. From the fans who cheer me on daily to the city itself, everything is perfect. It’s a true paradise for me, a basketball paradise on earth,” D. Sleva concluded enthusiastically.