Kaloyan Balkandzhiev, a young Bulgarian basketball player, has joined the Lithuanian club Rytas after developing his skills in the youth system of Spanish club Baskonia from 2022 until last summer. During his time with Baskonia B in Spain's fourth division, Balkandzhiev participated in 26 matches, averaging 22 minutes of playtime, scoring 10.3 points, and grabbing 4.7 rebounds per game. His shooting accuracy from two-point range was notable at 55.4%, signaling his effective scoring ability.

Last summer, Balkandzhiev represented Bulgaria in the European Under-18 Championships held in Serbia, where he shone as one of his team’s key players. Averaging 12.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game during the tournament, he demonstrated his potential and readiness to compete at higher levels. His performance not only highlighted his scoring ability but also showcased his skills in rebound control, making him a versatile asset for any team.

Matas Urbonas, the head of the youth program at Rytas, expressed confidence in Balkandzhiev's capabilities, describing him as a tall and versatile forward capable of playing multiple positions. Despite his youth, Balkandzhiev has benefitted from exposure to various basketball schools across different countries, allowing him to gather valuable experience. His addition to the Rytas team reflects the club's commitment to nurturing young talent and potentially elevating its competitive edge in upcoming seasons.