Kestutis Kemzura is going to face the problem that the previous coaches of Lithuania NT faced in the past. Sarunas Jasikevicius decided not to represent his country later this year in Turkey at FIBA World Championship. Saras has also skipped Eurobasket 2009 in Poland.
Although it was though that the best Lithuanian point guard will take the chance to play for the national and get back in shape after spending a major part of the season due to injuries, he has other plans for the coming summer.
Lithuania will square off against reigning World Champions Spain, France, Lebanon, Canada and New Zealand in Group D.
Panathinaikos guard is currently fighting in the Greek finals against the arch rivals Olympiacos. He is expected to make a return to Maccabi Tel Aviv next season.
Despite being a basketball national, Lithuania struggled to produce a top class point guard who could replace Jasikevicius. Because of that the absence of Saras usually is serious loss for the national team.
