Maccabi signs Rokas Jokubaitis

Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv added Lithuanian point guard Rojas Jokubaitis, who signed a three-year contract with the team. One of the most impressive young players in the EuroLeague in recent years, 23-years-old Jokubaitis joins the yellows from Barcelona, where he was named the EuroLeague’s Rising Star in 2022.

Standing at 1.93 M tall (6 ft 4 in) Rokas is a fierce and cool-headed lefty guard, that knows how to play through contact, shoot well from all ranges and attack the rim. He already has 6 years of EuroLeague experience under his belt, along with dozens of appearances for the Lithuanian national team, which translates to a confident style of play.

"I am really happy and cannot wait to start with the team, to play in front of you guys, one of the best fanbases in Europe", said the thrilled Rokas Jokubaitis. "Thanks to the coach, bosses and the whole club for believing in me. I am really happy and cannot wait to start the season".

"We are glad that Rokas Jokubaitis joins Maccabi", said head coach Oded Kattash. "He is a young point guard with lots of EuroLeague experience both at Zalgiris and Barcelona, along with many appearances in the Spanish league and Lithuanian national team. I have no doubt that he will fit in with the fabric of the team we are building, and he will help us achieve our goals".

"This is a young and very hungry player", added sporting director Avi Even. "Rokas has big upside and he arrives at a great timing of rebuilding that fits both sides. He has a unique personality and understands the club's DNA. We are happy that he chose to tie his future with Maccabi".

Rokas Jokubaitis was born on November 19, 2000 in the city of Ma?eikiai, in the northwest of Lithuania. Baketball runs deep in his veins - both his parents were players, and so is his sister. Jokubaitis began playing in Klaipeda, but it wasn’t long before his talents earned him a spot in Zalgiris Kaunas. After starring for the greens’ youth teams, in 2019 Rokas was called up to the pro team by then-head coach, Sarunas Jasikevicius.

The fantastic guard helped Zalgiris win three local championships and two cups and decided to sign-up for the NBA Draft. He was picked 34th by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who later traded his rights to New York Knicks. But after not earning a roster spot, Saras lured him to Barcelona in 2021. 

With the Catalans, Rokas made a big contribution despite crowded back courts year after year, scoring over 7 points per game in the tough Spanish league in each of his three seasons. Simultaneously, Jokubaitis became a regular on the Lithuania national team, taking part in 8 games in last year’s World Cup and posting 12.6 PPG (55% from deep), 5.8 APG and 2.3 RPG.