Lithuania’s shortlist reduced to 18 players

Coach Jonas Kazlauskas announced the names of 18 players that will be called up to the training camp ahead of EuroBasket 2015.

There was one new player, shooting guard Marius Runkauskas, on this list compared to the extended list hat Kazlauskas named in May. After having a successful season in Romania with CSU Asesoft, Runkausas signed a 2-year-deal with Lietuvos Rytas.

Darjus Lavrinovic remained on the list despite an injury suffered in Italian league final. The 35-year-old veteran center became even more important to the team after both Donatanas Motiejunas and Linas Kleiza became unavailable.

Still it’s not clear whether Lavrinovic will be able to join the national team. It is expected that a final verdict will come in a couple of days.

The agent of the NBA draftee Arturas Gudaitis received criticism from Kazlauskas for taking his client to the NBA too early and missing out Lithuanian students team which is currently competing in Universiade.

Prospect Domantas Sabonis will get his chance to make the final cut as well.

Lithuania’s preparation games:

July 29, Klaipeda, Lithuania – Australia

July 31, Siauliai, Lithuania – Australia

August 8, Alytus, Lithuania – Finland

August 12, Kedainiai, Lithuania – Austria

August 17, Kaunas, Lithuania – Turkey (Huawei Cup 2015)

August 18, Kaunas, Lithuania – FYR of Macedonia (Huawei Cup 2015)

August 19, Kaunas, Lithuania – Croatia (Huawei Cup 2015)