From Paris to Kaunas: Dustin Sleva to discover EuroLeague with Zalgiris
Dustin Sleva (2.03m, 29 years old), Paris Basketball’s first iconic player, is about to take a new step in his career. According to BasketNews, the 29-year-old American power forward will join Zalgiris Kaunas, where he’ll discover the EuroLeague. This is an achievement for someone who has been part of every step of the Parisian club since its creation in 2018.
Zalgiris is nearing a deal with Besiktas forward Dustin Sleva, according to @urbodo 🚨
More about it: https://t.co/HMRLSFvV80 pic.twitter.com/PERKPKqayv
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) May 29, 2025
A capital pioneer reaching European heights
Arriving in Paris in 2018 during the club’s creation in Pro B, Dustin Sleva left his mark on Paris Basketball’s history. Five seasons later, including one and a half as captain, he left in 2023 as the club’s all-time leading scorer (1,621 points) – since surpassed by T.J. Shorts – after contributing to the promotion to Betclic ELITE and the first European campaign in EuroCup.
This upward trajectory now extends to European basketball’s elite: the EuroLeague. Sleva, coming off an excellent season with Besiktas Istanbul in EuroCup, finished as co-leader in steals (1.8 per game) and delivered solid performances (10.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 40% from 3-point range), confirming his versatility and two-way impact seen in Paris and also at Murcia in 2023-2024 (Liga Endesa playoffs finalist).
Nationality:
The Shippensburg graduate has also stood out in the Turkish league with improving stats (12 points, 5.8 rebounds on 59.9% from 2-point range and 49.4% from 3-point range), performing well against European powerhouses like Fenerbahce and Anadolu Efes. These performances convinced Zalgiris to bet on him for the upcoming season.
At 29, the Pittsburgh native will experience the most prestigious European competition wearing the colors of a legendary continental club. A fitting reward for a player who hasn’t stopped improving since his modest arrival in Pro B, up to this new Lithuanian peak.
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