Gamecocks Add Frontcourt Size Through the Portal
South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball has bolstered its roster with a key transfer pickup, landing former Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball forward Aleksas Bieliauskas, according to DraftExpress. The addition gives the Gamecocks a proven frontcourt option with experience in the physical Big Ten Conference.
Freshman Season at Wisconsin
Bieliauskas made an immediate impact during his freshman campaign, starting all 23 games he appeared in. The 6-foot-10, 235-pound forward averaged 4.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while showcasing his versatility. One of his most notable strengths was his perimeter shooting, as he knocked down 37% of his three-point attempts in conference play—an impressive mark for a player of his size.
Breakout Performance vs Michigan
One of Bieliauskas’ standout moments came on Jan. 10, when he delivered a career-best performance against Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball. In that contest, he scored a season-high 17 points and connected on five shots from beyond the arc, playing a crucial role in a thrilling 91–88 victory over the eventual national champions.
Strong International Resume
Beyond his college experience, Bieliauskas has also made a name for himself on the international stage. Representing Lithuania at the 2025 U-20 EuroBasket tournament, he helped lead his country to a silver medal finish. Throughout the tournament, he averaged 12.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, including a dominant double-double performance in the championship matchup against Italy.
Development in Lithuania’s Pro System
Before arriving in the NCAA, Bieliauskas developed his game in Lithuania’s professional pipeline. He played for Žalgiris II, where he averaged 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 39.3% from three-point range. He also gained valuable experience appearing in three games for Žalgiris Kaunas in the country’s top-tier league.
Highly Rated Portal Addition
Bieliauskas is viewed as a significant addition in the transfer portal, earning a No. 65 overall ranking from 247Sports. His combination of size, shooting ability, and international experience makes him a promising piece for South Carolina moving forward.
Looking Ahead for South Carolina
Head coach Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks are aiming for a bounce-back season after finishing 13–19 last year. Their campaign came to an end with an SEC Tournament loss to Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball, but the addition of Bieliauskas signals a clear effort to upgrade the roster and compete at a higher level in the upcoming season.
