Basketball stars: about Shar’s decision, possible successors and the face of “Žalgiris”

The hottest place in Palanga is the Hoptrans basketball trio tournament, and the hottest topic is Š’s departure. Jasikevičius from Žalgiris to Barcelona.

15 minutes He asked the president of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, Arvydas Sabonis, and three basketball players from the Lithuanian team: Jonas Mačiulis, Mindaugas Kuzminskas and Kšištofas ​​Lavrinovičius to share their views on several important issues.

– What do you think about the decision of Šarūnas Jasikevičius to go from “Žalgiris” to “Barcelona”?

Arvydas Sabonis: “It is sad, but it had to happen sooner or later. I am happy because I have risen to a higher level.

I think inside I felt that it would be a failure to train Barcelona, ​​because it is a beloved city. Everything coincided, apparently, is fate. After all, this is accidentally like this: two points and everything happened that way (A. Sabonis meant the defeat of the Barcelona team in the Spanish league final, after which Svetislavas Pešičius lost his place). And we can wish him success because he is an extraordinary coach. I think we’ll still see him lift more than a cup. “

Sigismund Gedvila photo / 15min / Šarūnas Jasikevičius

Krzysztof Lavrinovich: “It just came to our attention then. The human factor must be taken into account. We cannot torture and keep Žalgiris all our lives.

“Žalgiris” will always be waiting for you. And Barcelona has the potential to win the Euroleague. The chances of winning the Euroleague for Shar are greater with Barcelona than with Žalgiris.

I think this is a suitable solution. Well done. I wish you good luck. I know what he is like as a personality, what a fighter and maximalist he is ”.

Jonas Mačiulis: “It just came to our attention then. For him as a coach, this is a much higher level, the club’s budget will open up significantly more opportunities. Not only to get to the bottom four, but to win it as well. I think he sets the goals. higher for him. Feel that desire. “

Kuzminskas Mindaugas: “It just came to our attention then. Although Paulius Motiejūnas (President of Club Kaunas) said that there were attempts from other clubs every summer, the situation was that he managed to keep it up. Of course, as a Lithuanian basketball lover, a former ‘Žalgiris’ player I’m sorry, but that step was inevitable. “

Photo from Getty Images / Euroleague.net / Šarūnas Jasikevičius

– What will Darius Maskoliūnas choose to train “Žalgiris” or stay as Š’s assistant. Jasikevičius and travel to Barcelona?

J.Mačiulis: “It just came to our attention then. When I was in that situation, I thought.”

M.Kuzminskas: “I think it is welcome that Šarūnas invite the headquarters to Barcelona together. God forbid, maybe you can get something out of the players there. I am very pleased that the Lithuanian coaches, the leaders of Lithuanian clubs are trying to evaluate their compatriots and help them to some extent.

It is normal to invite the staff, because in four years all the results have been achieved not only by him but by the entire team. Instead of Maskoliūnas, I would probably continue the work I started and lead together.

But if there is an offer to train “Žalgiris”, it would also be a smart decision. For him, all options are good now. “

Sigismund Gedvila photo / 15min / Darius Maskoliūnas

– Who will become the coach of “Žalgiris”?

K.Lavrinovičius: “You know, there are many good professionals. Perhaps their system is different, different vision. But Darius Maskoliūnas, Dainius Adomaitis, Kazys Maksvytis. There is something to choose from. “

A. Sabonis: “It is impossible to change (Š.Jasikevičius). Such people are not born every day. He cannot copy. He showed me how it can be, but, you know, a copy always remains a copy.

We can see and look what we want. But Paul is speaking (Paulius Motiejūnas, President of Žalgiris). It is not worth talking unnecessarily, but soon everything will become clear, because time passes, you have to recruit a team and find a commander.

J.Mačiulis: “There are free coaches, there are also free. It is all a matter of negotiation. But this is a question for the management of Žalgiris. As P. Motiejūnas said, it is necessary to create a new era, because it is a new face, new objectives.”

Erik Ovcharenko / 15min photo / press conference by Paul Motiejūnas

How will the face of “Žalgiris” change?

A. Sabonis: “It just came to our attention then. Be that as it may, victories are needed. They have always been needed, more will be needed now.”

M.Kuzminskas: Žalgiris was the flagship of Lithuania. It was fashionable to go to parties and support “Žalgiris”. One of the reasons was Jasikevičius, a good coach and a charismatic personality. I think a lot will depend on the results. Then it becomes clear who the true fans are if, God forbid, the team fails. ”

K.Lavrinovičius: “They will continue to be the elite of the Euroleague. If there are no financial problems or other problems in the organization, the change of coach will no longer have such a big impact. I think” Žalgiris “will maintain its elite lineup.”

J.Mačiulis: “It just came to our attention then. Especially the style of play. But still, it will always be difficult for opponents to play” Žalgiris “, especially in Kaunas. They (” Žalgiris “) will always be the grays, I don’t know what to expect, because they will be able to bite everyone, even the biggest giants.

That club face won’t change too much because it doesn’t change anymore north years. There are still people who want to win and fight for the name “Žalgiris”.