Rytas's Loud Move: They've Signed an American Who Shone in the EuroLeague

Vilnius basketball fans will recognize American guard Cassius Winston, a new signing for Rytas Vilnius. Winston is already familiar to the Lithuanian club's supporters from his previous performances on the court.

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I chose Rytas because I felt that it is a great organization and a great place for me to continue growing as a player and make a positive impact on the team.

During the 2024-2025 FIBA Champions League season, while playing for Italy's Reggiana, Winston scored a personal tournament record of 26 points against Rytas in Vilnius. He also recorded 4 rebounds and 6 assists in that game. Last season, 2025-2026, the guard played for Hapoel Jerusalem, averaging 15.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in the EuroCup. In the Israeli league, he averaged 13.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 20 minutes per game.

Winston shared his enthusiasm for joining Rytas, stating, "I chose Rytas because I felt it is a great organization and a great place for me to continue growing as a player and make a positive impact on the team." He recalled the intense atmosphere during his previous game in Vilnius: "A couple of seasons ago, I played against Rytas and I clearly remember the fans were just crazy, the atmosphere was incredibly fun, and the arena itself was very beautiful and spacious. It was evident that the fans were ready to strongly support their team, and I definitely wanted to be a part of something like that."

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A couple of seasons ago, I played against Rytas and I clearly remember that the fans were just crazy, the atmosphere was incredibly fun, and the arena itself was very beautiful and spacious. It was evident that the fans were ready to strongly support their team, and I definitely wanted to be a part of something like that.

He added, "Playing in front of such a fan base means a lot to me, and I know they will stand behind us as we strive to make this season special. The team and fans can expect me to give my all on the court every night to help win games, push myself and the team forward, and help others improve. I can't wait to get on the court." Before moving to Israel, Winston played in Italy for Reggiana, where he averaged 15.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 32 Serie A games. His European professional career began in the 2022-2023 season with Bayern Munich, where he won the German Cup and debuted in the EuroLeague. The following season, 2023-2024, he played in Turkey for Tofaş Bursa, averaging 14.8 points and 5.3 assists in the Turkish league.

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Playing in front of such a fan base means a lot to me, and I know that they will stand behind us as we strive to make this season special. The team and fans can expect me to give my all on the court every night to help win games, push myself and the team forward, and help others improve. I can't wait to get on the court.

Rytas head coach Nedad Pacevic expressed his confidence in the new acquisition: "Cassius's arrival will bring both experience and leadership to the overall team picture, both on and off the court. He is a player who will bring to the team's game both the ability to score himself and to involve his teammates. I believe his profile and playing style will fit perfectly with the team we already have."

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Cassius's arrival will bring both experience and leadership to the overall team picture, both on and off the court. He is a player who will bring to the team's game both the ability to score himself and to involve his teammates. I believe his profile and playing style will fit perfectly with the team we already have.