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Lithuania NT 2010
#81
I still miss Ž.Kelys in a reserve team. <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dry.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Dry' /> Pocius is unstable, he need to play one more season european basketball and then he may think about NT, now it's too soon. <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Smile' />



I think Eitutavičius may be our NT point guard, he's fast, have good dribble.



I don't get it, how players like Juškevičius have chance to play in a reserve team? Well, if Juškevičius can, then why not Buterlevičius and Kelys? Kelys is better than Juškevičius and Buterlevičius made a big progress. <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Smile' />
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#82
[quote name='Sagenas' date='03 July 2010 - 02:45 PM' timestamp='1278161152' post='23487']

I still miss Ž.Kelys in a reserve team. <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dry.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Dry' /> Pocius is unstable, he need to play one more season european basketball and then he may think about NT, now it's too soon. <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Smile' />



I think Eitutavičius may be our NT point guard, he's fast, have good dribble.



I don't get it, how players like Juškevičius have chance to play in a reserve team? Well, if Juškevičius can, then why not Buterlevičius and Kelys? Kelys is better than Juškevičius and Buterlevičius made a big progress. <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Smile' />

[/quote]



Juškevičius is a shooting guard, that's all right. But I again you right about Kelys. I have a feeling Kemzūra is going the same way as Butautas did, he won't trust young point guards (except Kalnietis who is going to Turkey surely, IMO). From young point guards he took only Viskontas (and missed two way more talented players: Kelys, Janavičius) - that's how NT team solving PG issue <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bag.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Bag' />



Mažutis also had a good dribble and a good defence <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crazy.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Crazy' /> I hope Eitutavičius can really do something, not just be a perfect part of "Serbian schemes"...



Generally speaking except few players from 2 and 3 spots, the roster of second NT is a joke, IMO. So from my point of view, first big -10 from me to Kemzūra.



Both brothers Lavrinovič might skip WC. Kemzūra would be forced to go with very young roster (I like that).
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#83
Lithuania B - England 78:73



Lithuania: Renaldas Seibutis 29, Valdas Vasylius (9 reb) 9, Adas Juškevičius 9, Martynas Andriuškevičius (8 reb) 7, Deividas Gailius 6, Vytautas Šarakauskas 6, Mindaugas Kuzminskas (6 reb) 5, Arvydas Šikšnius 3, Arvydas Eitutavičius 2, Valdas Dabkus 2.



England: Ashley Hamilton (6 reb) 15, Justin Robinson 13, Taner Adu 13.
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#84
The result isn't too impressive but there were objective factors that caused it. Anyway, Seibutis really stepped up yesterday. I think he made a big statement with that performance and increased his chances of being called up to the main team. It was just the first game so no conclusions can be drawn yet.
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#85
Federation saying that the goal is top8. Pretty optimistic goal having in mind that all the leaders of backourt won't be there. They also saying that this team will have many young faces, I wonder why are they even inviting Delininkaitis, Lukauskis if Lithuania is filled with SG prospects that are really ready to play? I can't understand it - the goal is to integrate young players (that's an open statement) and yet they calling the ones who made a disaster in Poland and mediocre players by all means...
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#86
[quote name='straight forward' date='07 July 2010 - 05:09 PM' timestamp='1278511784' post='23596']

Federation saying that the goal is top8. Pretty optimistic goal having in mind that all the leaders of backourt won't be there. They also saying that this team will have many young faces, I wonder why are they even inviting Delininkaitis, Lukauskis if Lithuania is filled with SG prospects that are really ready to play? I can't understand it - the goal is to integrate young players (that's an open statement) and yet they calling the ones who made a disaster in Poland and mediocre players by all means...

[/quote]

So it's not Top 6 anymore? The expectations are dropping by day. I agree with you that even Top 8 is an optimistic goal. But if you set lower goals then why play there at all? So from that point of view that the team is expected to do a bit better than what many might is a good thing.



From a fan point of view it's really disappointing that we will have to watch the NT losing for the second year in a row. Last summer there were at least some hopes of doing better while this year we are going to WC already accepting the idea that it will be over for us sooner than for most of the other teams.



Naturally one would think about what will happen in 2011. Will it be as good as federation and many fans think it will? I strongly doubt that. We will have home court advantage. And that's the only advantage that we will have. The veterans will only get older. The young prospects will get better but how much better they can get in one year? I sense the same outcome which happened to Serbia when they hosted Eurobasket 2005. Lots of hopes and a disappointing finish.



Will we be playing in London 2012? All of the above is just thoughts about what could happen in the future though. Maybe a new thread needs to be created for that.



As for Lukauskis and Delininkaitis, I've been saying that they DO NOT DESERVE to play for the NT for at least a couple of years now. Federation is talking about making the NT younger. Many veterans who are the leaders are skipping WC and I believe that it's not that they don't want to play. Federation is not really interested in doing everything to bring the best team this year. I wouldn't be surprised to know that the players were told something 'it'd be good if you come to play but if you feel like you need a brake then feel free to take it'. It's a sort of insurance that they will be playing in 2011. Again, that's just my speculation.



Since federation is desperate to make the team younger, wouldn't it be a good idea to mix some of the best veterans and some of those players who are expected to be playing in 2011 in the NT? And forget such players as Lukauskis. Now what we have is a mix of young players and some veterans who don't deserve to play for NT anymore.
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#87
Well, I wouldn't be that pessimistic. Even last year we could do better thing, but Butautas an Co. completely destroyed the team.



Now we'll have Gecevičius who proved he can play very well at Euroleague level. If he'll be able to produce something like that in NT, we already in way better position because there was no single guard who could make things in 2009 team. More over, Kalnietis should be able to produce some normal BB at least at some length. Than we could expect either Pocius or Seibutis to be integrated, the latter one even has decent ball handling skills and good at crossovers - that is very important because we need energy going from our backourt (we were literally impotent by this mean in Poland). If we'll get some guards making the game, we will expect way better things from Kleiza and other big guys. The bad thing is that our fontcourt won't be so good while we won't have Petravičius and there's still a question about both Lavrinovič.



Now the bad thing IMO would be if Kemzūra would decide to integrate Lukauskis and say Delininkaitis/Eitutavičius. We really have enough young players with bigger potential - Kalnietis, Gecevičius, Pocius, Seibutis, Juškevičius. Now second game of NT is over - Lithuania: England 92:78. It's only a second game, but Kemzūra's discovery Eitutavičius is not producing anything worth mentioning in both games. Today he had 2 points, 6 TO and 3 assists in 12 minutes while youngster Juškevičius with 11 points. Let's not make conclusion already, but I really think Kemzūra made a mistake by not including Kelys and Janavičius. What we can see from those two games so far, this team is playing without point guard...



So, all in all, what I expect is a good effort and if they will show some normal BB it will be a good step forward. No-one expects too much from this team, so they might feel pretty comfortable with that. As for the goals, I have to make a particular quote of Garastas "The aim is top8, but top4 would be a great joy", well that's pretty reasonable.



Speaking about 2011 it's obvious we won't be at the peak. But than again, Šaras is still a top class clutch player, Gecevičius will be even better at that time, I think Kaukėnas is not washed out yet. We'll bring our best frontcourt players back most likely (maybe even Songaila who still not a black hole, at defensive end specially). With this scenario we would be competitive and with homecourt advantage we might even think about semis.
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#88
Lithuania is lucky to be in the weakest 1st stage group. So they could find their way into the Top8 with some more luck.
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#89
[url="http://www.talkbasket.net/news/lavrinovic-twins-and-jomantas-are-out-for-lithuania-too-3378.html"]Lavrinovic twins and Jomantas are out for Lithuania too[/url]



This team is doomed. I wanted to use "lol" smile here because it's so pathetic that it's even ridiculous. And Gustas is still on the main team... They are making the team younger by calling a useless 30-year-old?



The likes of Gecevicius and Kleiza will probably be putting nice individual numbers but the overall team performance looks scary.



I can already see us playing those friendly games against USA and Spain. -30? -40?



Team chemistry will be an important factor here. If it's not there then we might even struggle to get out of the group. FIBA should just ban us from future WCs since we will never send there our best team.
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#90
Damn... things looking desperate as Lithuani's squad is getting slimmer and slimmer...



Will they announce a relegation of the team's goal in WC?
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#91
My guess is that Kleiza will be hogging the ball a lot since there will be no other stars on the team. And by that I mean veteran players which even Kleiza had to respect and accept the fact that he won't be the main player of the team. Now he's the main star. It wouldn't be a problem if we didn't know his style. The only good thing is that Kemzura will probably have no choice but to put Kleiza in PF position which is his best position in international basketball. Of course everything might turn out differently. I'm not a future teller.



This is about Eurobasket 2011 but since I won't expand on it too much, I'll post it here. The whole idea of planning to win a certain tournament (or reach the final in this case) is absurd in sports. If you can plan and win a tournament then it wouldn't be sports. Yes, your plans might become true but in most cases it doesn't exactly go the way it's planned. We don't need to look far for examples. Eurobaskt 2005 and Eurobasket 2007 are great examples how the host nation expected to win it all eventually failed.



It's naive to think that we get poor results for a couple of years in a row and then bang! and all of a sudden we are at the top. Other teams have their plans too. Many teams will do everything in order to qualify for London Olympics. A goal of reaching Olympic qualifying tournament sounds more realistic to me for Eurobasket 2011 (and I won't be surprised at all if the goal is changed to that).
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#92
At least now there's no pressure at all <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Smile' /> Good chance to fill in Gecevičius, Pocius, Motiejūnas, maybe even M. Kuzminskas. They will bring Adriuškevičius probably while he's the only pure center after Javtokas, but I don't see his future in NT really (maybe as a backup center for Valančiūnas? That's the best possible scenario for him). I hope Seibutis will have a shot, he deserves that. If Kemzūra will do this job and won't bring all these experienced second- raters (Gustas, Delininkaitis, Lukauskis), I'll be happy no matter what results will be. This would be a great step forward for 2012 and maybe even for 2011 (Gecevičius, Motiejūnas could really contribute that year already even if the veterans will be back).
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#93
Lithuania just beat Finland 91-59 in the first preparation game



Martynas Gecevičius 19, Renaldas Seibutis 18, Simas Jasaitis 17, Paulius Jankūnas 10, Robertas Javtokas 6, Martynas Andriuškevičius, Giedrius Gustas and Tadas Klimavičius 4, Martynas Pocius and Arvydas Eitutavičius 3, Donatas Motiejūnas 2, Mantas Kalnietis 1.



Linas Kleiza, Jonas Mačiulis, Mindaugas Lukauskis and Tomas Delininkaitis did not play. All of them will play on Monday against Czech Republic. Naturally, four players out those who played today will not be registered for the next game.



Some thoughts after the game:



1. For the first time in 3 years I saw the national team that I can recognize. No more 24-second attacks. Quick basketball and fast ball movement. In fact, even though the team is much weaker than it could potentially be, it was more enjoyable to watch than the NT of the previous years. Especially since this was just the first game. During the time when Butautas was the head coach, the first game of the national team used to be a total disaster in every aspect. Even though the opponents weren't very strong but still a win is a win. Besides, Finland start EuroBasket 2011 qualifiers next week and they need to be in the top shape.



2. Gecevičius will one of the biggest stars on this team as expected. It's good to see him playing so well. He's at his top form right now, at least shooting wise.



3. Eitutavičius didn't get too many minutes but he reminded me Mažutis a lot and that's a bad sign. It appeared to me that he felt the pressure and it made him play below his real level. But still I think he shouldn't play in Turkey. And that means that Gustas will be the backup PG...



4. Motiejūnas looks more mature but he just couldn't find his shot today. He didn't take many shots though.



5. This team might be nice to watch against weaker teams but I can't see them showing anything against the top teams.
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#94
Lithuania- Finland 91:59 (28:16, 23:22, 30:14, 10:7)



Lithuania: Martynas Gecevičius 19 (4/5 three pointers), Renaldas Seibutis 18 (5/6 two pinters), Simas Jasaitis 17 (7 reb, 6/8 two pointers), Paulius Jankūnas 10 (9 reb), Robertas Javtokas 6 (8 reb), Martynas Andriuškevičius 4, Giedrius Gustas 4, Tadas Klimavičius 4 (8 reb), Martynas Pocius 3, Arvydas Eitutavičius 3, Donatas Motiejūnas 2, Mantas Kalnietis 1.



Kemzūra played without Kleiza, Mačiulis, Delininkaitis, Lukauskis tonight. Lithuania looked better than expected for the first games.



Gecevičius is one bright star of this team's backourt, nailing 9 points in first 5 minutes and going to to the bench with clear declaration "my place is unquestionable in this team".



Seibutis looked good, I want him in the team. He's intensive, pretty good ball handler and even consistent shooter this summer.



Pocius had a bad night and I'm feeling that Seibutis deserves a spot better this year.



On the negative side, our potentially 1 PG Kalnietis looked worse than Gustas (who looked very good tonight) and even Eitutavičius (who is obviously not much more better pick than Mažutis, only careful handling of the ball), basically was useless tonight.



Jasaitis will be a solid scorer once again and maybe even the first pick for 3 position, even if Kemzūra is barking about Mačiulis a lot. Jankūnas is obviously going to Turkey and will play important role there as well as Jankūnas. Having in mind Kemzūra will use Kleiza at 4 mostly, Jankūnas is the second pick at 4. Unfortunately Motiejūnas looked lost tonight and his shot selection as way off. Andriuškevičius and Klimavičius looked solid.



Only first game though, I believe these 2 games will determine 20% of coaches decision - they see everything in practice (2 players will be cut after first two games).
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#95
[quote name='Vilius' date='31 July 2010 - 11:34 PM' timestamp='1280608459' post='24023']

1. For the first time in 3 years I saw the national team that I can recognize. No more 24-second attacks. Quick basketball and fast ball movement. In fact, even though the team is much weaker than it could potentially be, it was more enjoyable to watch than the NT of the previous years. Especially since this was just the first game. During the time when Butautas was the head coach, the first game of the national team used to be a total disaster in every aspect. Even though the opponents weren't very strong but still a win is a win. Besides, Finland start EuroBasket 2011 qualifiers next week and they need to be in the top shape.

[/quote]



Good point, this team looks fresh compering to the last year. It's like a nice project of the future with some addition. Basically this team has solid options in all positions except 1 (unfortunately I see only one reliable solution - to keep the ball in Gecevičius' hand more, other two - Seibutis and some solid lengths from Kalnietis/Gustas). I really would like to see Motiejūnas having some minutes in WC, I don't see much of a sense to take Klimavičius who will get limited role after Kleiza/Jankūnas and next year he won't even be considered (most likely) when Brothers/Petravičius will be available. Yeah, I don't see this team fighting with Spain, USA, Argentina and other best teams, but they can be surprisingly competitive.
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#96
Kemzūra cut off Motiejūnas... <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bag.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Bag' />
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#97
Why is that a surprise? Did he have a guaranteed spot or something?
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#98
[quote name='Black Urum' date='03 August 2010 - 12:56 AM' timestamp='1280786187' post='24041']

Why is that a surprise? Did he have a guaranteed spot or something?

[/quote]



First of all, it's the surprise because he's a talent that dominated in his age group internationally wise. Since bunch of our key players are our of the team this year, it was a good chance to give him experience in NT level. Second of all, even if Kemzūra thinks that Lithuania will go further with other players (he obviously think so), the decision is questionable at least because Motiejūnas' main rivals - Andriuškevičius and Klimavičius (specially the first one)- seems to be not better players at all. Not to mention that last year we already tested the way when mediocre players are being taken instead of young talents (Gecevičius rocked in second NT that summer, but was not even invited to the main camp while we saw later how experienced guys Lukauskis and Delininkaitis "rocked" in Poland). Finally, he's N times more offensively talented player than both Andriuškevičius and Klimavičius put together and he even looked good tonight (8 points, few rebounds). It's not about the question who will be more effective (obviously none of them will be the key player or decent role player), it's a question about rebuilding the team - something what federation was talking all the time. We are not going anywhere with these players. Let's give ashot for young talents, they won't look worse than these mediocre guys and most likely even better.
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#99
That's not surprise for me. Motiejūnas still can't handle good players in defense, also right now he's more PF than C (we need C because Javtokas only one who can handle big guys and because of that Andriuškevičius is second center - he can defend and is tall). Kalnietis is the worst point guard I've ever seen...Gustas and Eitutavičius play better. <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Smile' />



By the way, why do you think all youngsters must play this year? We can't change all 12 players instead of other guys. Everything has time to come. <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Smile' />
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Kemzūra made the right decision -> [url="http://www.talkbasket.net/news/kemzura-cuts-lukauskis-and-eitutavicius-names-final-squad-3600.html"]Kemzura cuts Lukauskis and Eitutavicius, names final squad[/url]
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