Basketball: Aukstikalnis defeats Herons. Fabo boosts its Serie A2 ambitions.

Montecatini Terme, July 16, 2025 – The big move has been made. The Fabo Montecatini transfer window closes with a bang: the arrival of Lukas Aukstikalnis , a 1995-born Lithuanian forward, MVP of last season's Serie B season with Pallacanestro Roseto, where he secured promotion to Serie A2. The Panevezys native has chosen Fabo, rejecting offers from Virtus Roma and Assigeco Piacenza . With Aukstikalnis's arrival, the Herons revive their ambitions for promotion to Serie A2, a feat they missed out on a month ago in the playoffs against Mestre and two years ago in the playoffs against Avellino.

After the arrivals of Rossi, Ricci, Chinellato and Giombini, Federico Barsotti's team adds a true champion in the category: last season 'Auk' had fearsome averages in 40 games (16.6 points per game, 47% from 3 and 93% from free throws).

The Lithuanian's arrival makes Fabo the team to beat in the upcoming National Serie B and a prime candidate for promotion. Anticipation is mounting for the match against the other Spa team, T Tecnica Gema, which has also had a busy transfer window. "We're closing the senior transfer window with a sensational signing," says Herons President Andrea Luchi, architect of the Aukstikalnis deal. "Lukas was our primary target after the Cento playoffs, and we've worked hard to secure him, taking the right steps to convince a champion of his caliber to choose our club and our project. I'm delighted because we've signed a top-notch player and a fantastic player who completes a roster that I believe is complete and balanced. This signing increases the credibility and visibility of the Herons project nationally and beyond, and for this reason, I want to sincerely thank our top partners and our members, with whom we've created a fantastic team effort that has allowed us to successfully close such a prestigious transfer window. I'm confident we've given the city, the entire Valdinievole, our coaching staff, and our fans a tremendous addition for the 2025-26 season, which we'll approach with the utmost dedication." of enthusiasm. Welcome, Lukas!”.