Deaths on March 22

Stepas Butautas

Died on March 22, 2001

Stepas Butautas, Lithuanian basketball player and coach (b. 1925)

Stepas Butautas: A Lithuanian Basketball Legend

Born on August 25, 1925, Stepas Butautas, also known by alternate spellings such as Stiepas Butautas or Stepas Butaustas, rose to prominence as an influential figure in both Soviet and Lithuanian basketball. His journey, which concluded in Kaunas on March 22, 2001, was marked by an exceptional career that spanned professional playing and distinguished coaching, leaving an enduring legacy on the sport.

The Rise of a Player: From Kaunas to Olympic Glory

Stepas Butautas cultivated his remarkable basketball talents in Kaunas, a city deeply passionate about the sport. He trained with the renowned VSS Žalgiris club, where he honed the skills that would lead him to the national stage. His prowess quickly earned him a coveted spot on the Soviet Union men's national basketball team, representing his country at the prestigious 1952 Summer Olympic Games held in Helsinki, Finland. During this memorable tournament, Butautas showcased his abilities in all eight games, playing a pivotal role in the Soviet squad's impressive performance. Their efforts culminated in a highly respectable silver medal, a testament to their competitive spirit against the world's best.

A Distinguished Career Beyond the Court

While his playing days were illustrious, Stepas Butautas's influence on basketball continued to grow through his coaching career. Transitioning seamlessly from player to mentor, he dedicated himself to nurturing future generations of Lithuanian basketball talent. As a coach, his strategic acumen and profound understanding of the game made him a revered leader and educator. This dual legacy, encompassing both his impactful contributions as a player and his insightful leadership as a coach, solidified his standing within the global basketball community.

Lasting Recognition and Legacy

The indelible mark left by Stepas Butautas on basketball was formally recognized in 1991 when FIBA, the international governing body for basketball, honored him by naming him one of their 50 Greatest Players. This prestigious acknowledgment affirmed his status among the sport's elite, celebrating a career defined by dedication, exceptional skill, and a profound love for basketball. His memory remains a cherished part of Lithuanian sports history, continuing to inspire aspiring athletes and coaches alike.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stepas Butautas

Who was Stepas Butautas?: Stepas Butautas was a celebrated Soviet and Lithuanian professional basketball player and coach, renowned for his significant contributions to the sport in the mid-20th century.
When was Stepas Butautas born and when did he pass away?: He was born on August 25, 1925, and passed away on March 22, 2001, in Kaunas, Lithuania.
What was his major achievement as a player?: As a key member of the Soviet Union men's national basketball team, he won a silver medal at the 1952 Summer Olympic Games.
What team did he train with?: Butautas trained with the VSS Žalgiris club in Kaunas, a city with a strong and storied basketball heritage.
How was Stepas Butautas recognized internationally?: In 1991, FIBA honored him by including him among their 50 Greatest Players, acknowledging his enduring legacy in global basketball history.

References

Stepas Butautas

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Events on 2001

6 May

Pope John Paul II
During a trip to Syria, Pope John Paul II becomes the first pope to enter a mosque.
11 Sep

September 11 attacks
Two hijacked aircraft crash into the World Trade Center in New York City, while a third smashes into The Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, and a fourth into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in a series of coordinated suicide attacks by 19 members of al-Qaeda. A total of 2,996 people are killed.
14 Sep

September 11, 2001 attacks
Historic National Prayer Service held at Washington National Cathedral for victims of the September 11 attacks. A similar service is held in Canada on Parliament Hill, the largest vigil ever held in the nation's capital.
17 Sep

September 11 attacks
The New York Stock Exchange reopens for trading after the September 11 attacks, the longest closure since the Great Depression.
7 Oct

War in Afghanistan (2001-2014)
The Global War on Terrorism begins as a result of the September 11 attacks. The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan initiates with an air assault and covert operations on the ground.