Karolis "Hardwork" Stepanavicius will return to play for Lituanica in London Summer League after starting last season at potential opponents London Lions. After a promising start Stepanavicius did not break into the rotation at London's pro club and moved to NASSA in EBL2.

At NASSA he made a significant contribution as the East London club stormed to the EBL2 Championship and went on to win the EBL2 Play-Off Finals. Stepanavicius was named as the Eurobasket.com Play-Offs MVP (following a 33 point & 18 rebound double-double in NASSA's 85-66 win over Manchester Magic in the Final) and on the EBL2 1st Team selection (Averaging 23.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game).

The 25 year old 6'6" forward has long been regarded as one of the leading talents in London emerging first at the junior team of former BBL powerhouse London Towers. As a junior though he was known as much for his volatile temper as he was for his talent with a number of ejections.

Signs of a new found maturity came with a break-out season in 2010/11 for Lituanica when he led the club to the EBL Division 4 title. He was once again honoured as MVP in the Final following another double-double (18 points & 13 rebounds) in Lituanica's 71-68 victory against Warrington Wolves and was named as the EBL4 Player of the Year.

Lituanica are the lowest ranked of the eight London Summer League teams but with Stepanavicius, who has also played for rivals Westminster Warriors, in their line-up they have every chance of springing some surprise results.

See Karolis Stepanavicius highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YWzpBPG1f4