5 questions for a Euroleague star: V.Micičius – why not compare Shar to M.Schiller? Euroleague

– Which former teammate of Žalgiris would you like to see at Anadolu Efes in Istanbul?

– Of course, I would like to have Brandon Davies on the team. We were roommates in “Žalgiris”. I think he is one of the best tall people in the Euroleague. I really liked his talent, his skills. The way he adapted that season and elevated his European Cup game to the Euroleague level as he plays now deserves the utmost respect.

We had a great time and we remain good friends. We keep talking and I am very happy that it is improving every year. And it’s still getting better.

Euroleague.net nuotr./Brandonas Daviesas

– What was your favorite place in Lithuania?

– It was a restaurant “Casa dell Pasta” in Kaunas. Most of the players gathered there after Žalgiris’s match. As soon as I return to Kaunas, that place reminds me of this club. The main street, the whole Old Town … Nice memories of this city.

– What distinguishes Anadolu Efes from the title of Euroleague champions?

– Actually, I don’t know what to answer. We had a great season last year, but there were more important things in life that we had to come to terms with. When I saw that we kept the same lineup as I always said, if we are all healthy and ready, we are a very dangerous team. When we play one hundred percent. in each game we can do great things.

Of course, after last season, people now look at us with different eyes. They see us as leaders, potential winners. But my point of view is different. In my opinion, each season is a different story. We didn’t start the season well, but that was predictable because we didn’t have some players and we still have to get in. But the best thing is that we know each other very well.

Photo from Euroleague.net/Vasilije Micičius

– What do you think of the new project “Žalgiris” and the successor of Šarūnas Jasikevičius in Kaunas Martin Schiller?

– I am very happy for Žalgiris. I think they played a very good third game. They now play a different kind of basketball, although the lineup hasn’t changed drastically. Obviously, Shar’s lessons are still valuable to gamers. Lithuanians from “Žalgiris” demonstrate good basketball, which is good for the whole country. Rookies are also very good players.

They play great physical basketball, just maybe they attack differently than before. I would say with more freedom. Expectations are probably always high here, especially after Shar. If people doubt the team, the coach, in my opinion, everyone deserves a chance and they shouldn’t compare a new coach to Shar. It has its own style. Even despite Žalgiris’ loss in LKL, they play well.

Photo by Rokas Lukoševičius / 15min / Martin Schiller

– Which team would win without NBA players: Lithuania or Serbia?

– During the season in Lithuania, I noticed that Serbs are very similar to Lithuanians. At least that’s how we understand basketball. Players have a good basketball alphabet and all basketball players know how to play.

We will have a really good Serbian team in the coming years. I look forward to making good connections with NBA players and achieving the best goals with them. However, I think we would win in these conditions, because without the NBA we have a lot of good players in Europe.