What agents really do (and don’t) in basketball.
 I sit down with Lithuanian agent Gytis Ruskevicius to unpack what an agent actually does, when (and if) you need one, how early signing can backfire with NCAA rules, and why physicality + S&C + playing hard matter more than chasing agents.

Key Takeaways 

• Agents negotiate — they don’t create talent.
• Don’t rush to sign; focus on development.
• Attention matters: too many clients = less for you.
• NCAA path: avoid official agent deals before college.
• Get noticed by playing well, not DM’ing agents.
• Choose clubs with transfer history upward.
• Physicality separates youth from pros.
• Build strength, set hard screens, embrace contact.
• Play harder, earlier: even in Sunday/company leagues.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro & why this conversation matters 
01:02 Who Gytis is (agency background, clients, markets) 
06:07 What agents actually do beyond contracts 
09:03 Do you need an agent? Best timing & expectations 
14:10 NCAA vs. FIBA basics: why early contracts are risky 
16:09 Verbal agreements, parents signing, staying flexible 
17:48 How players get noticed (scouts are already watching) 
21:34 After high school: where to play to move up 
23:46 Beware traps: low leagues with “nice money” but no pathway 
25:52 The key question: does this club move players up? 
28:03 Biggest jump to pros: physicality (what it means) 
32:05 Mental & on-court toughness: screens, box-outs, contact 
34:29 Maturity, genetics, and practical ways to get physical 
35:20 Smart hack: play Sunday/company leagues for men’s physicality 
38:24 Final advice: discipline over agents; focus on controllables 
39:18 Host summary: the 3 big points

Chapters

Connect with Gytis on Instagram 

@agentgytis