Lukas Lekavicius Panathinaikos
Photo: EuroLeague Basketball

Lukas Lekavicius talked about his time in Panathinaikos and referred to Xavi Pascual, Sarunas Jasikevicus, Rick Pitino and more.

Here is what the Lithuanian guard said, per Donatas Urbonas:

On the differences between Jasikevicius, Pascual and Pitino: “Xavi and Saras are pretty similar. Xavi prepared us very well tactically, but Saras was more focused on details. With Pitino it was completely different. We played how we wanted with a lot of freedom.”

On Nick Calathes leadership: “I loved how he handled the pressure. It was really interesting to watch how we were down by 20 points and how Calathes encouraged everybody in the locker room by his words. He was a true leader, who inspired everybody.”

On whether Zalgiris Kaunas tried to bring him back during the 2018/19 season: “Zalgiris tried to sign me twice last year – in summer of 2018 and in winter later. But, both times Xavi Pascual closed the conversation by saying he’s not going anywhere. If it was my decision, I also would have stayed in Panathinaikos.”