On February 1, 2019, Arturas Gudaitis was one of the most effective centers of the entire EuroLeague. He was third for personal index rating, third for rebounds and third for fouls drawn. He was also first for free throws attempted and free throws made. He scored 12.5 points per game, his shooting percentage was slightly below 64. Gudaitis was a possible nomination for the season All-EuroLeague teams. That February 1, in Gran Canaria, he suffered the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligaments of his left knee. His season ended that evening.

Gudaitis was going to miss the opportunity to get the awards he was deserving, to help the team in the crucial part of the season and also the chance to play the World Cup with the Lithuanian national team.But Arturas Gudaitis responded: he rehabbed like a madman, he never lost his determination. He found comfort in the family, the real one, his wife and a beautiful daughter, and the professional one at Olimpia Milan. Since that night in the Canary Island, he has had no holidays, he has not had time for relax, he has fought one step at a time.

And now he’s back. First in the Italian league, in Cremona, then it’s going to be back in the EuroLeague. Welcome Back, Arturas.