His story begins in Linkuva, in the spring of 1932. The family soon moves to Biržai, where his introduction to sports begins — the first football, barefoot childhood games, and early victories. At the age of eleven, he swims across the entire Širvėnas Lake. During the war years, he runs ten kilometers daily to school. In 1946, he wins his first gold medal — for a running race. Raised from a young age with endurance and determination, he matures into a personality defined by perseverance, quiet work, and the pursuit of goals.

While studying at the Physical Education Institute, he chooses basketball — although at that time it was not yet clear that it would become his lifelong path. After graduating, he returns to Biržai, working with children, teaching them to swim, but gradually dedicates himself more and more to basketball. His training sessions are more than just physical exercise — they are lessons in character, confidence, and thinking on the court.
In 1968, his trainee Saulius Patkauskas returns from Spain with a gold medal and gifts it to him — the coach who believed in him from day one. He becomes increasingly involved in the basketball world: leading the school team, managing the sports school, and working with the federation. Everywhere he goes, he remains the same — calm, hardworking, and responsible teacher.

In the autumn of 1979, he took the helm of Kaunas “Žalgiris.” At first, unknown to a wider audience, he soon changed the club’s history. A strict training regime, respect for the players, and calmness in tense moments became his hallmark. It was in his team that Arvydas Sabonis matured. After years of trials, victories came: in 1985, “Žalgiris” became the Soviet Union champion. All of Lithuania celebrated. The wins were repeated in 1986 and 1987 – once again defeating CSKA. Winning the William Jones Cup in Argentina, “Žalgiris” was regarded as the strongest team in the world. The coach from Biržai became a national symbol — a sign of focus, dignity, and victory.

After the golden years with “Žalgiris,” he was invited to lead the USSR men’s national team. With them, he won the European bronze medal in 1989 and the World Championship silver in 1990. Later, he accepted an offer to work in Czechoslovakia. With the “Banik-Cigel” club, he became the last champion of that country. In a city where few speak Lithuanian, everyone knew who the coach from Lithuania was. He worked quietly, but his results spoke loudly – a language of victories.

In 1992, he returned to Lithuania. Valdemaras Chomičius called and invited him to take the helm of the independent Lithuanian national team. The coach accepted – the responsibility was immense. During the qualification for the Barcelona Olympic Games, the team won eleven consecutive victories. In the semifinals, they lost to the “Dream Team,” but in the bronze medal match, they defeated the CIS team. This was more than a medal; it was a symbolic victory of independence. In 1995, they won the silver at the European Championship, and in 1996, another Olympic bronze in Atlanta. Four years – four world-class achievements. Behind all these successes stood the same calm, principled man.

After finishing his coaching career, he stayed close to the game. He led the coaches’ association and later the Lithuanian Basketball Federation. He worked quietly but confidently. He observed new generations without seeking to dominate. His authority came not from titles but from his character. Vladas Garastas is a man whose name still symbolizes responsible leadership, dignity, and determination. Not for the titles, but for his ability to build. A team. A real, human team. Lithuanian basketball owes him a great deal of its greatness—and will continue to do so for a long time.