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Jonas Valančiūnas, who returned to Memphis in Lithuania after a vacation in Lithuania, is preparing for a challenging season in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 28-year-old Lithuanian team will be on the NBA starting line for the ninth time.
Jonas Valančiūnas
| Position: | C |
| Years: | 28 |
| Height: | 211 cm |
| Weight: | 116 kilograms |
| Place of birth: | Utena, Lithuania |
“It was not a normal time, both the time of year and the situation in the world itself,” JV summed up during the holidays. – It was good to come home and spend time with family, with friends, enjoying their hobbies. Now I’m back and it’s time to get to work. “
This weekend, Utena and Grizzlies will begin a cycle of four friendly games: the first two games will be played with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the next two with the Atlanta Hawks. The nighttime duel with the Wolves will begin at 3 pm, Saturday through Sunday. Lithuanian time.
The first official game is on Christmas Eve at home with the San Antonio Spurs.
Valančiūnas talked about the upcoming season, the return to Memphis, the pandemic restrictions and other things on the club’s website “Rise & Grind”.
On returning to the Grizzlies base: “It is different from what I had to experience in the bubble. Now everything is closer to normality, children at least, we are in our arena, in our city. A lot of crazy things are happening, but at least we are at home, at our base, we see familiar faces and we can train again. I hope we can start playing the game. “
About the new COVID-19 pandemic regime: “We try every day, we have a limited time for training, the restrictions also apply to other things. But basketball is what we like to do, we are happy for every minute on the court, we enjoy being able to compete with each other. That’s why we are reunited and that gives us happiness ”.
About off-season training: “I trained to be ready. There was so much uncertainty as to when we could play again, when we would train again, so we had to be prepared for the call. There was nothing special, just routine exercise.
The most important thing was to stay in shape: I played basketball easily, I did a series of throws, I did skill exercises. “
On personal expectations for the next season: “I’ve been shooting a lot lately, shooting a lot of 3s. These days, the high-altitude game revolves around shooting and the ability to make a pass. The main goal is that I have to become a better shooter. I worked for increase my hit percentage. “
About the Grizzlies players: “I think we have strengthened our defense, which will help us protect the penalty area. When Jaren Jackson falls, we will need that help a lot. The players who join the team can do well and at the same time fight for the bouncing balls. Our main concerns were in defense and the fight for the balls. In my head, now we are capable. “
About keeping most basketball players: “It is our advantage that we have known each other for some time. Last year we were joined by Justise Winslow, who quickly merged with each other and became part of the team from day one. It’s good to be in the locker room with these guys, they don’t have to worry about meeting each other, we can just focus on basketball. “
About the beard and appearance changes: “Now I can’t say if I’ll keep the same look because one day you’ll see me naked again (laughs). I don’t spend a lot of time on my appearance. During the season I want to feel comfortable and basketball is the most important thing. I’m not trying to impress someone with my looks (laughs), I want to impress with my game. “
About beard care during a pandemic: “Either way, you can find hairdressers to take care of it (laughs). Sometimes I take care of myself and, when there is an opportunity, I visit the hairdresser. The mask shakes the beard significantly, so it takes more time to get used to. I saw that there are masks specially adapted for the beard, maybe I have to take care of myself (laughs) “.
About veteran status on the team: “I’m even older than last year (laughs). It’s fun growing up together. I had to meet a lot of guys who were newcomers or were playing for their second year or were only nineteen. It’s good to see them grow up and discover their game. I’m happy to be one of the oldest on the team (laughs).
I don’t like being an example who just talks and shares advice. I want to demonstrate this in the square. We can all speak and speak differently, but by showing action, it is leadership. That’s what I like. “
About plans for Christmas: “It just came to our notice then. The best thing about Christmas is spending time with the family. I appreciate the little things. There isn’t a lot of free time to travel and play during the season, so I’d like to stop and spend time with my family.”
On children’s Christmas wishes: “They always ask for a lot, it doesn’t just happen at Christmas (laughs). We will see what Santa will be like, good or bad, and how the children will react. “
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