From deception in France to the hero of Panevėžys in Israel: the season of P. Valalsky

This may be another success story. P. Valinskas, a student at the Žalgiris School, started his journey.

Last summer, a player who no longer needed for “Žalgiris” went to France, Orleans Loiret Basket. Moving abroad seemed to be misleading. Minutes promised on the field, the role in the team remained promised. Paul was forced to leave France and return to Panevėžys, where he was already playing in 2018-2019. season.

The Kaunas resident found a changed composition in Lietkabelis: T. Dimša and Ž.Šakičius were holding the reins in their hands, so everything was no longer as it was a year ago. So P. Valinskas was the first boss. attack coach choice.

Panevėžys residents with a competitive lineup Coach Nenad Chanaku in front of the player and the wealthiest opponents. For a long time in the Lithuanian basketball league, Lietkabelis roasted the soles of Vilnius Rytas and did not lose second place in the standings.

Due to the quarantine, the people of Panevėžys were able to finish the season in second position, but it was decided to calculate the tournament table according to a more favorable scenario for Vilnius residents: the table was suspended with the last competition, although suggested stopping her at the end of the second round.

In the FIBA ​​Champions League, Lietkabelis also did not litter. The Lithuanian club, which started with four consecutive failures, did not give up and began to improve the game with the arrival of P. Valinskas. During the remaining 10 games, Lietkabelis won 7 wins and entered the playoffs with the spice of success.

And it could have been so sweet and endless. This is P. Valinskas who led the people of Panevėžys to the eighth final of the Champions League. In the decisive group match against Holon, the UNET defender made a foul 0.9 seconds before the end of the match and made two free throws in cold blood against the fierce crowd.

Lietkabelis also showed his character in the King Mindaugas Cup tournament. In the semifinals, the people of Panevėžys won two quarters for the country power of mustaches Kaunas “Žalgiris”, and in the fight for bronze they did not forgive the tournament host Klaipėda ” Neptūnas “.

P. Valinskas, who maintained the role of the initial five players throughout the season, had an average of 10.9 points and 2.7 assists per game in the Champions League.

LKL averages were more modest: 9 points and 1.7 assists.

The player, who once again proved his worth at Lietkabelis, received a call from former coach Darius Maskoliūnas. This time, the men who worked at Žalgiris discussed another matter: P. Valalskas was invited to play in the selection window of the European Championship.

The defender, who survived the tragedy in Belgium and helped break the Czechs, debuted in the national team according to the team’s results, burned during the match in Belgium (16 min. 0 points), but contributed to the victory against the Czech Republic (10 min. 5 points, 3 res.).

It is not silent that Vilnius “Rytas” is interested in P. Valinskas. Lithuanians should also receive offers from abroad.

It is true that all the cards face the Lietkabelis side. The people of Panevėžys confirmed a few days ago that they will play in the European Cup. In addition, we managed to save three members from the successful last season: Margiris Normantas, Vytenis Lipkevičius and coach Nenada Čanakas.

The coach’s choice to stay at Panevėžys may tip P. Valinskas’ scales towards the club in the capital Aukštaitija.

P. Valinskas spoke about the last season, the Lithuanian national team, the idea of ​​a new club, the quarantine 24 seconds.

Summer League and Quarantine Opportunity

– How did you manage to maintain your physical condition during quarantine?

– The beat is broken, of course, the season is over. Uncertainty arose, we did not know how to behave, and we await the news. The situation was such that the season was over, the quarantine began. We’ve taken a break for a while, but we have coaches who make up individual programs. As for going out at home, we kept fit with weights, crossbows. Of course, you won’t stay fit for long while exercising.

– What are the plans for the summer? Will you participate in a tournament or play sports individually?

– For a long time there were doubts about that summer league, risky to play, was it worth it or not. Now I keep thinking, I have some suggestions to play. I have been practicing sports for about a month, improving my sports form, etc. I will hire a personal trainer and we will have more time to prepare for the new season. The Summer League offer is really attractive. There is a good chance that you will see me there.

Deception in France and the magic of N. Chanak

– The start of the season in France – failed. What happened in Orleans?

– I follow the rule that you must choose the team that most loves you and meets the conditions you want.

The Orleans team showed me incredible attention, I talked a lot with the coach. He seemed to know me very well, he watched many of my games and promised 30 minutes per game, starting five. I trusted him and left.

I went there and saw that the reality was quite different. The coach was impressed by the completely different style of the players: athletic, putting their heads on them, throwing incredible triples. I am a player of a different style. There was a misunderstanding because he was not the type of basketball player that would fit the coach’s philosophy. I really didn’t understand what I wanted out there because I relaxed in the corners of the field while the other players did what they wanted.

I was very unhappy, I consulted with agents, parents, friends and left the club. The start of the season was very poor. I did not meet their expectations or mine.

– Can Lietkabelis offer be called time and place?

– yeah I also had more suggestions, but I knew the coach, the organization, I did not hesitate much.

– The season at Panevėžys is really successful. What are the main reasons for that?

– It all starts with the atmosphere, good men gathered. This is the basis for teams that are experiencing good seasons. In the Champions League, the season did not start in any way, but then we entered. Good coach, good atmosphere. Basketball details were only the fruit of work.

– Coach N.Čanakas was probably one of the factors that brought victories?

– I think so. The first season he came in, I saw him as a very smart coach. We have all seen that he is a high-level professional and takes us forward.

– You, T.Dimša and Ž.Šakičius were generally on the coach’s diagrams. What made this trio fit so well in the square?

– Our best feature was that we were able to create. Željko is a non-traditional player who can pass the ball in fourth position, play two-on-two, or pass the ball after an invasion. Same with Tom and me. It was our strength that we were able to perform many functions. Now what … they all broke up.

Blood leaks due to LKL silver

– Are you satisfied with the progress since leaving Žalgiris?

– In the first year it was on loan, I was very happy, but the stage in France was not successful. I took a step back. One year was good, other mediocre. I really don’t want to judge myself, I just know that my goal is to play at a higher level.

– Personally, a sweeter victory against Holon UNET or KMT bronze in Klaipeda?

– When victory leads to trophies, it means more. Of course, all wins are resounding and winning against Holon is more memorable than against Neptune. Still, the medal is more important.

– Are there parties that have left you bitter?

– The most unfortunate thing about the series with the Zaragoza club. There were many nuances … both for the judges and for us. I think we had to win, so it was really painful. And, of course, the defeat of Pasvalys, which we did not immediately understand. The loss brought us to second place in LKL.

Selected and new contract

– Did you have to discuss with D. Maskoliūnas about your future in the national team?

– Personally, we don’t talk much about the future. As it will be, it will take a year to wait. It is up to me if I have the opportunity to get hooked on the national team.

– On the official Lietkabelis website he is already assigned to the team for next season, but there is no information about the signed contract. What is the actual situation?

– I have not signed a contract with anyone, I am a free agent. I speak to several teams. To this day, the situation is as follows.

– Is it a priority to stay in Lithuania?

– Always determine which team you travel to abroad. Traveling back to some kind of uncertainty about the biggest money is a matter of each summer. There are many problems: attention, role, tournaments. I listen to all the suggestions and still don’t know where my career will go.

– How much changes the decision that Lietkabelis already has a confirmation of participation in the European Cup?

– Definitely a bigger advantage. Whatever the changes between the European Cup and the Champions League, I think the European Cup is still a more capable tournament. That confirmation really has a bigger advantage: it can attract more capable players to Panevėžys, the former players will be easier. Unexpected, but pleasant.

– Wouldn’t you reject the variant of the Champions League?

– Certainly not.

– Vilnius Rytas is said to be interested in various Lithuanian services. Did you have a conversation with this club?

– I didn’t speak in person and the agent handles all these problems. The rumors are rumors, but no contract has been submitted.