On August 24, the Lithuanian reserve team in Utena faces another serious test – a confrontation with the current NCAA champion Michigan Wolverines team.
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The LTU.BASKETBALL website spoke with the Lithuanian reserve team coach M. Lukošius about the chosen twelve, the players’ motivation, and the unique spectacle awaiting the audiences in Jonava and Utena.
– Coach, what are the moods before the start of the team camp?
– We have a training plan and are waiting for Monday. We will train in Druskininkai during the first week. There will be active communication with the main team, and if they need something, for example, a game training session, we will visit each other. From August 17, we will train in Kaunas, and later there will be games in Jonava and Utena with NCAA universities.
The men gather after the summer, and although their preparation levels will vary, from what I have talked to them, everyone is already training and preparing for the season, so in the evening training sessions, we can immediately get down to basketball matters.
– Your coached team will face quite a challenge – games against some of the strongest NCAA universities. How do you view this series yourself?
– When American universities visit Europe or other continents in the summer, sometimes their roster or players’ athletic form is not at its highest point. However, universities like Michigan and Arizona certainly value the reputation of their basketball programs. I think for such universities, every game is important, even if it is a friendly match. I am glad that we will be able to compete with them and see where we stand. It will be very interesting to compare.
Most of our players already have contracts for the upcoming season, but for all Lithuanians, this is a good opportunity to showcase themselves in a broader context. We will play in front of our own fans, against good opponents, the games will be broadcast on television, and covered by US media. The players understand all this and know that it is a good opportunity to draw attention to themselves.
– You have accumulated a lot of experience in student basketball. What can spectators expect in the games against the Arizona and Michigan teams?
– The last time I had to play against the US student team was last summer when we met in the Universiade semifinals. The team was based on Baylor University. It was a really strong team – Americans like very aggressive defense, pressure, double teams. Offensively, they rely on high speed and individual talent.
– And what are our team’s strengths?
– We will play at home, supported by our own fans. We won’t need to travel or acclimatize, and we will play according to FIBA rules. Of course, we really want to have good games, but even more, we want to integrate all twelve players into the game and find time and opportunities on the court for everyone.
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– How do you personally view this historic event that teams from Arizona and Michigan universities will visit cities like Jonava and Utena?
– Our main cities are somewhat spoiled during the big basketball season. The EuroLeague, EuroCup, and Champions League take place there. It is very welcome that the best US universities will visit locations like Jonava, Utena, Alytus, and Kėdainiai. I hope this will attract spectators and the halls will be full.
The game itself should be very fast, dynamic, and aggressive. Spectators like this kind of basketball. The games should be very interesting. There may not be special tactics, but there will definitely be beautiful and spectacular moments.
– It is no secret that a significant number of NCAA universities refused to release Lithuanian players for the U20 European Championship. A similar situation occurred with the reserve team. What caused this?
– I have to say that there are really many such players. The Lithuanian Basketball Association did everything it could to allow the players to represent the Lithuanian team. Letters and requests were sent to NCAA universities, discussions were held, and rational arguments were presented. Several players were not released even from LKL clubs. However, this camp is really a good opportunity for Lithuanians to prepare for the season.
The situation is somewhat sad, but we are happy with the current twelve and expect burning eyes and maximum dedication from each member. This will be a very useful experience for them, and everyone is ready to work.
Coaches of the Lithuanian reserve team: Mindaugas Lukošius, Mindaugas Stašys, Dainius Šalenga, Tautvilas Tubelis.
Roster of the Lithuanian reserve team for the games against Michigan and Arizona universities:
Titas Sargiūnas (“Lipscomb Bisons”; NCAA)
Dominykas Stenionis (“Valmiera Glass”; Latvia)
Nojus Radžius (Panevėžys “Lietkabelis”, LKL)
Kristupas Leščiauskas (Klaipėda “Neptūnas-Akvaservis”; NKL)
Ignas Urbonas (Vilnius “Rytas”; LKL)
Mintautas Mockus (Utena “Juventus”; LKL)
Matas Repšys (“Jonava”; LKL)
Matas Mačijauskas (Klaipėda “Neptūnas-Akvaservis”; NKL)
Modestas Kancleris (Vidževo “Elachem”; Italian 3rd league)
Tadas Budrys (Plungė “Olimpas”, NKL)
Kristupas Keinys (“Pacific Tigers”; NCAA)
Gabrielius Jokubauskas (Vilnius “Rytas-2”; NKL)
