Career: Laisve Kaunas (Lithuania-LMKL, 1993-94), Laisve (Lithuania-LMKL, 1994-96), Viktoria Kaunas (Lithuania-LMKL, 1996-98), Amigos de Funchal (Portugal-Liga Feminina, 1998-99), Bordeaux (France-LFB, 1999-2000), Istres (France-LFB, 2000-01), SJS Reims (France-LFB, 2001-02), Stade Clermontois (2002-03), Burgos (Spain-LFB, 2003-04), Deerliijk (Belgium-D1, 2004-05), Racing Club de Strasbourg (France-LFB, 2005-06), COB Calais (France-LFB, 2006-07)
Lina was part of the legendary 1997 Lithuanian national team which came back from EuroBasket Women with a gold medal around its collective neck. Ten years ago, her appearance on the court lasted only three minutes but now, Lina is one of the most important players on the team. Brazdeikyte is a crucial piece for Lithuania and she is one of the best defensive players on the team. The Kaunus native can also score. She has averaged about 10 points per game in each of the National Team competitions in which she has played since EuroBasket Women 2001. No one can beat her in terms of experience as she participated in five EuroBaskets and three World Championships.
After a one year stop at the Portuguese island of Madeira, playing for club side Amigos de Funchal from 1998 to 1999, Brazdeikyte has settled in France where she spent six years playing for six different teams. During that stretch she has played just two seasons in other countries, with a stop in Spain in 2005-06 and Belgium in 2004-05. Last season, at Côte d'Opale Calais was her best in France, as she averaged 12.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game but could not avoid relegation for her club.
The 1.85m guard remembers the glory days of 1997 well, although she spent most of the time on the bench, watching and learning. "Our current team is very different from 1997," said the experienced captain. "The '97 team had very experienced players and I was there to make up the numbers but it was still great. The team did not need to be coached."
Brazdeikyte admits that being in the 1997 squad was a real learning experience and it has provided the foundation for her role in the 2007 group. Although she admits today's young squad has plenty to do to catch up with the team of 10 years ago, this squad has plenty of strong points on which to build. "We have a good defense but when we have the ball we must learn to be more patient. Sometimes we rush too much," she said.
Brazdeikyte never tried her luck in the WNBA: "I never wanted to play in the WNBA - the style does not appeal to me. It is more individual, one-on-one, than Europe. There is less team play. I prefer to use all five players on the court."
A qualified physical education instructor, Brazdeikyte loves working with children but she has not ruled out using her degree to coach basketball.
