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Oct 17, 2016, 2:53 pm
The new era of Lithuania national team is set to begin as Jonas Kazlauskas left the national following expiration of his contract. It was successful Olympic cycle under Kazlauskas with two EuroBasket silvers medals and 4th place finish in FIBA World Cup 2014.
Now a new chapter begins. It is reported that current Neptunas Klaipeda coach Dainius Adomaitis is already chosen as the new head coach of the national team. Even though the new coach is supposed to be chosen by the national federation on 25 October. Reports suggest that Kazlauskas had a big impact in choosing his successor.
Based on coaching experience and success, Rimas Kurtinaitis (currently in charge of Cantu) is regarded as the best Lithuanian coach behind Kazlauskas. Though his relationship with the federation is not exactly great, despite the fact that his friend Arvydas Sabonis is the president. According to Kurtinaitis, he wasn't even asked about a possibility of replacing Kazlauskas.
These are just rumours but they are rather strong and it seems that Adomaitis is indeed the chosen one. Is ready for the national team? Should the federation consider appointing a foreign coach (a very sensitive topic in Lithuania)? Supposedly Sasa Obradovic was interested in the job but was told not to bother since the new coach is already selected.
The new Olympic cycle will have a different international competition schedule (EuroBasket every 4 years and no direct qualification to other competitions, World Cup qualifying windows etc.). Is it wise to appoint a young coach such as Adomaitis and let renew the team with more young faces for EuroBasket 2017 which will not impact qualification to World Cup anyway? And if he fails, bring another coach?
Now a new chapter begins. It is reported that current Neptunas Klaipeda coach Dainius Adomaitis is already chosen as the new head coach of the national team. Even though the new coach is supposed to be chosen by the national federation on 25 October. Reports suggest that Kazlauskas had a big impact in choosing his successor.
Based on coaching experience and success, Rimas Kurtinaitis (currently in charge of Cantu) is regarded as the best Lithuanian coach behind Kazlauskas. Though his relationship with the federation is not exactly great, despite the fact that his friend Arvydas Sabonis is the president. According to Kurtinaitis, he wasn't even asked about a possibility of replacing Kazlauskas.
These are just rumours but they are rather strong and it seems that Adomaitis is indeed the chosen one. Is ready for the national team? Should the federation consider appointing a foreign coach (a very sensitive topic in Lithuania)? Supposedly Sasa Obradovic was interested in the job but was told not to bother since the new coach is already selected.
The new Olympic cycle will have a different international competition schedule (EuroBasket every 4 years and no direct qualification to other competitions, World Cup qualifying windows etc.). Is it wise to appoint a young coach such as Adomaitis and let renew the team with more young faces for EuroBasket 2017 which will not impact qualification to World Cup anyway? And if he fails, bring another coach?