Derrick Low's globe-trotting professional basketball career will now take him to Lithuania.

Low, a former three-time Advertiser State Player of the Year from 'Iolani School, told The Advertiser last night he plans to sign a contract to play for BC Siauliai (pronounced shoo-LAY), a Eurocup/Baltic League team based in Northern Lithuania.

Low, a 6-foot-1 point guard, is expected to leave Hawai'i in about a week. Financial terms of the one-year deal were not disclosed, but housing and transportation are included. Most important, Low said, is the chance to start at point guard and increase his exposure through the Eurocup — a competition that includes high-level teams from around Europe.

"The Lithuanian league is a really strong league, and in the Eurocup I can be seen by teams from other countries like Germany, France, Italy, Spain ... ," Low said. "It's just another stepping stone, and hopefully the exposure will help me get to the next level."

After a standout career at Washington State, Low spent July 2008 as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Mavericks before signing with the Sydney Spirit of Australia's National Basketball League.

He averaged 19.3 points per game and was the NBL's third-leading scorer before the team ran into financial problems in November, prompting Low to return to Hawai'i. In January, he signed with Rouen of France's A-League and averaged 9.8 points and 2.6 assists per game in 18 games of limited action.

Low has been training in Honolulu and Virginia this summer while his Los Angeles-based agent, Sam Goldfeder, explored options in European leagues.

"There were other options, but I trust Sam a lot that he's going to put me in the best situation," Low said. "He wants to make sure the pieces fit together, where I can play my game and do what I do best."

Siauliai's coach, Antanas Sireika, is the head coach for Lithuania's national team. Former UH forward Vaidotas Peciukas played three seasons in Lithuania before playing last season in France.

"I've been working out every day, just waiting," Low said. "I'm relieved now. If you be patient, good things will happen."

Read his blog on high school sports at http://preptalk.honadvblogs.com