Mindaugas Kuzminskas: Balancing Basketball, Family, and a Second Career
Mindaugas Kuzminskas, currently playing for AEK Athens, is entering his 20th season as a professional basketball player. Still, the Lithuanian forward recently revealed in the “Euro Insiders” podcast that his greatest achievement isn’t a championship or individual award, but the birth of his son.
The Transformative Power of Fatherhood
“It might sound silly, but my biggest accomplishment is probably my son,” Kuzminskas shared. He explained how becoming a father fundamentally altered his perspective on life and basketball. “A child completely changes your life. There’s a lot of statistics in basketball, but I’d like someone to calculate how statistics grow when you have your first child. Even though you’re more tired, you don’t sleep at night, and your schedule is completely disrupted, that energy… it completely changes your life.”
He described how the joy of seeing his son after a loss provides a new level of perspective. “Before, when I didn’t have a child, I’d travel home and dwell on it. You wouldn’t sleep at night, you’d worry… Now you open the door – the child is happy. He doesn’t care if you won or lost. He just hugs you, says ‘I love you,’ and that’s it. So that’s probably my biggest accomplishment.”
Photo: R.Lukoševičius
Playing for the Next Generation
The podcast host suggested that his son is a significant reason Kuzminskas continues to play professional basketball. Kuzminskas largely agreed, acknowledging the influence of his partner. “I think I’m a family man. So I just want my son to remember me playing. My mother played basketball, my brother did too. I remember those moments, and I think it could be a good influence on him – maybe to follow in my footsteps, or maybe to choose a different path, but just to generally remember.” He emphasized his pride in his career, regardless of its ups and downs.
From Player to Referee: A Backup Plan
Despite a two-decade professional career, Kuzminskas wasn’t initially certain basketball would be his path. At 16, while playing on the second team of his basketball school, he began training as a referee, securing his license at a young age. “Not everyone can be a professional basketball player – what percentage grow one? Very small. I was 16, I thought basketball wasn’t for me, but I loved it and wanted to stay close. I started taking courses and passed the referee exam at 16.” He even earned a small income, approximately 8 euros per game.
A Lesson from Coach Kazlauskas
Kuzminskas recalled a memorable interaction with Lithuanian national team coach Jonas Kazlauskas during the 2013 EuroBasket. “I remember not advice, but a funny story in the national team. I think it was 2013, my first year with the national team. The coach was Jonas Kazlauskas. My mother was a tough player – excellent at rebounding, defending, completely my opposite. One time I made a couple of mistakes and he said to everyone: ‘Listen, if you had the balls my mother had, you’d be a fantastic player.’” He noted that while not direct advice, the comment stuck with him and prompted reflection.
The Future of Veteran Athletes: Balancing Passion and Legacy
Kuzminskas’ story highlights a growing trend among veteran athletes: the increasing importance of family and the consideration of life beyond the game. Many athletes are now actively planning for their post-playing careers, whether through business ventures, coaching, or, as in Kuzminskas’ case, exploring alternative paths like officiating.
The Rise of the “Second Act”
The concept of a “second act” is becoming increasingly common in professional sports. Athletes are leveraging their platform and experience to pursue passions outside of their primary sport. This can range from starting businesses to becoming involved in philanthropy or media. This shift reflects a broader societal trend towards prioritizing operate-life balance and finding purpose beyond professional achievements.
The Impact of Family on Career Decisions
Family considerations are playing a larger role in athletes’ career decisions. Players are increasingly willing to prioritize stability and quality of life over maximizing earnings or chasing championships. This represents particularly true for athletes with young children, who want to be present in their children’s lives.
The Value of Alternative Skillsets
Athletes who develop skills outside of their sport, such as Kuzminskas’ referee training, are better positioned for a smooth transition into post-playing careers. These skills demonstrate adaptability, discipline, and a commitment to lifelong learning – qualities that are highly valued in any profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long has Mindaugas Kuzminskas been playing professional basketball? He is entering his 20th season (as of March 4, 2026).
- What team does Mindaugas Kuzminskas currently play for? He plays for AEK Athens.
- What did Mindaugas Kuzminskas say was his biggest achievement? He stated his biggest achievement was the birth of his son.
- Did Mindaugas Kuzminskas have a backup plan if basketball didn’t work out? Yes, he became a licensed basketball referee at age 16.
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the importance of developing skills outside of your primary profession. These skills can provide valuable opportunities and security in the future.
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