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Lithuania NT 2011
#1
I presume this thread will be long and controversial. The great success in WC 2010 gave a lot of hope and inspiration, but at the same time many questions have appeared. The most important - what Kemzūra is going to do next summer? Will he invite our veterans or will he remain on building new generation? The good thing, he already answered - he's going to try to fill some weak spots with some player if that will be possible. On other hand, Kemzūra mentioned that the season is long and it will depend on the process, players attitudes and so on. So basically, he would like to integrate some experience, but it' important not to ruin team spirit. Well, personally I agree. The result is great, but it's gonna be very difficult to repeat it as the pressure will be on Lithuania's shoulders this time. Basically, Lithuania of 2010 had one great faculty - intense defence and uptempo offense. That was very right choice in most cases (specially against Argentina), but It might be not enough in the future. The improvement is obvious, but I think we still can't play decent half court offense. Every time this team stops running, we stuck in offense. Saying that, I would like to see the nice mixture of our young and experienced players. The season is long and we'll see how it goes, but the illusion in my mind would be like this (express your own):



PG:

Kalnietis (He improved, but his improvement is very much overrated with general impression about the team. The problem with him as PG is that he is not able to contribute in half court offense and he's not really creates. On positive side, he sharply improved his ball handling and shooting skills and he can really run in transition. Having that and his experience in mind It's very unlikely to expect that some other young PG will step in, specially if we'll have Å aras).

Å aras (Yes, that's him. I want him on the team, because we badly need the brains and creativity! His contribution when "run and gun" mechanism is not working would be priceless. The question? Won't he disturb the team spirit? I hope not).



SG:

Pocius (The guy surprisingly stole Gecevičius' place at the starting lineup after two first games of the tournament. I suppose even Kemzūra didn't expect that, but really fallen in love with his aggressive playing style. He's athletic, very quick, great slasher and even managed to be consistent on perimeter shooting in the tournament. I have no doubt he'll be on the team).

Gecevičius (The loss of the tournament as some were saying after group stage, but still managed to show his abilities in clumsy 1/8 against China and nailed some great shots against USA. Obviously pretty bad debut for youngest player of the team, but having in mind his potential I think we can expect way better thing in the future.).

Kaukėnas (As much as I would like Seibutis as a person, I have to say he doesn't have a decent potential at the highest level. Saying that, I still think some people writing off Kaukėnas too soon, he had a decent season with Real, scoring 14 points in regular season. Only Mesina's madness because of Barsa forced some opinions that he totally declined. I don't think so)



SF:

Mačiulis, Jasaitis (Great pair and they complement each other very well)



PF:

Kleiza (No comments needed).

K.Lavrinovič, D. Songaila (I think these two are still best players at 4 after Kleiza. We'll see how season goes, but I don't think their contribution would be worse than Jankūnas even if I don't mind Jankūnas at all. It's just, I still think old fellas are better).



C:

Javtokas, Petravičius (D. Lavrinovič, J. Valančiūnas) (Now this is gonna be the biggest question! If all these will be available, Kemzūra will have a damn headache. Don't ask me how to solve this? Maybe Darjuš has good chances for being cut, because he's not pure center. Another thing how good already will be Valančiūnas? No idea.)



Some other possible picks:



D. Motiejūnas, Katelynas, Delininkaitis, Kelys, Janavičius, Juškevičius, Klimavičius, Šikšnius, Gailius.
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#2
Some remarks.



About Saras potentially ruining team spirit. I don't think so because I think most of the young players regard him as divine, so no way he could cause negative feelings to them, on the contrary, he will contribute a lot of things mentally and of course in the game.



Pocius: This guy will be the leader of Lithuania. He already proved that he got balls, right mentality and he is aggresive. In the game he knows how to do everything. Shoot, dunk, dribble, penetrate. If he did all these in his fist year in Europe he will be an indispensable player for Lithuania NT. Also in club competition I have noticed that when he plays at home he plays much much better. Guess where he will playing in eurobasket 2011.



Gecevicius: Good news is that he can't be worse than in this tournament. Plus he will be probably be a top EL club's player by that time.



Kaukenas: I think it's time to move on...



Songaila: Now there is a player who might disturb team spirit and balance. Sitting and resting for years and then when the competition is home and want some piece of fame you are available? No, sir. Stay in the other side of Atlantic.



Lavrik bros: Both are one hell of a player. But combined together they could mentally influence the team in a bad way. We saw that in last Eurobasket. If something goes wrong in the beginning, they are both off for the rest of the game. Still they are one class above the rest big guys.



I hope Benetton makes it to EL groups so I see for myself how Montejunas will do against big and tough boys.
Respect and thanks for everything:

Alvertis, Bodiroga, Jasikevicius, Radja, Wilkins, Vrankovic, Fotsis, Rebraca, Kattash, Gentile, Koch, Middleton, Kutluay, Rogers, Papadopoulos, Becirovic, Tomasevic, Siskauskas, Pekovic, Lakovic, Vujanic, Chatzivrettas, Maljkovic, Spanoulis and many more to follow in the near future.
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#3
[quote name='Black Urum' timestamp='1284503811' post='24977']

Pocius: This guy will be the leader of Lithuania. He already proved that he got balls, right mentality and he is aggresive. In the game he knows how to do everything. Shoot, dunk, dribble, penetrate. If he did all these in his fist year in Europe he will be an indispensable player for Lithuania NT. Also in club competition I have noticed that when he plays at home he plays much much better. Guess where he will playing in eurobasket 2011.

[/quote]



Probably one of the leaders. He has leadership mentality, I saw that in WC. On negative side, his skills set is not that versatile as you say, IMO. His shooting mechanics isn't that good and he were radically unstable all season long (BBL, LKL included) and he will need to prove me he can shoot from distance in regular basis. He has great quickness and very good first step but usually suffers with finishing. He somehow get away with that in WC while these lefty lay ups were really accurate this time, but he missed so many good and even more bad lay ups during the season. The bad thing that he goes for the lefty lay up almost every time and the teams will eventually know that better. His dribbling is clumsy and he's not a very good passer (tends to take bad decisions as well). He's best at uptempo, 1 on 1 plays. I'm not sure he'll be a top class player with his limits (depends how much he'll be able to improve), but he surely has heart and fighting spirit. Basically, he was completely different player in WC. It's like he got matured by one month <img src='http://www.talkbasket.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='Smile' />

I see him and Gecevičius filling SG position and complementing each other well.
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#4
I thought Songaila retired from international basketball. Am I missing soemthing or is this just hopeful thinking that he could return to the NT next summer?
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#5
[quote name='skangles' timestamp='1284506039' post='24983']

I thought Songaila retired from international basketball. Am I missing soemthing or is this just hopeful thinking that he could return to the NT next summer?

[/quote]



He retired, but at the same time he missed his retirement tournament in 2008, so he said he'll consider his possibility to play in 2011.
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#6
I realised Lithuania will have a heck of competition in shooting guard position:



Kaukėnas (expressed his will to play for NT (and who wuld say he's not looking good in Siena?)

Gecevičius, Pocius (I'm enjoying the competition against these two. They are equal opponents since this summer)

Seibutis (He may not be playing for the strongest Turkey team, but he had some fantastic games, scoring over 30 points. If he'll continue doing that, how could he be not invited?)

Delininkaitis (The guy simply playing very well and knocking down his shots and he can play as PG for some minutes...)

Juškevičius (Off course he won't get to NT 2011, but he's having a monster LKL games, having some superb performances, including against Žalgiris).



Kemzūra will have some work to do this summer...
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#7
Straight Forward is Ramunas Siskauskas considering playing for the NT? Does Kemzura interested in taking Siskauskas with him to play next summer?



Many people say that he's over the top, Siskauskas is getting older and his body is making it clear to him but he still can be a good player for the NT. He's one of my favorite players and he'll always be. I think that he still can be valuable for Lithuania.



I also would like to see Motiejunas play for the NT next summer. It would be great. Lithuania has a very good team and with the home support they could be a serious contender for the title
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#8
[quote name='Kenneth23' timestamp='1295289807' post='27841']

Straight Forward is Ramunas Siskauskas considering playing for the NT? Does Kemzura interested in taking Siskauskas with him to play next summer?



Many people say that he's over the top, Siskauskas is getting older and his body is making it clear to him but he still can be a good player for the NT. He's one of my favorite players and he'll always be. I think that he still can be valuable for Lithuania.



I also would like to see Motiejunas play for the NT next summer. It would be great. Lithuania has a very good team and with the home support they could be a serious contender for the title

[/quote]



Šiška made his mind to retire after 2008 Olympics. Butautas couldn't change his decision as well as Kemzūra. Who wouldn't like to have him on the team? But I doubt Kemzūra would even try to change Šiška's mind this summer. Šiška is done with NT.



Motiejūnas is surely on radar and I think Kemzūra already could take him instead of some players this summer. But to be sincere I think Motiejunas will have to much competition this season - Kleiza, Brothers, Javtokas, Jankunas.
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#9
[quote name='straight forward' timestamp='1295558932' post='27926']

Šiška made his mind to retire after 2008 Olympics. Butautas couldn't change his decision as well as Kemzūra. Who wouldn't like to have him on the team? But I doubt Kemzūra would even try to change Šiška's mind this summer. Šiška is done with NT.



Motiejūnas is surely on radar and I think Kemzūra already could take him instead of some players this summer. But to be sincere I think Motiejunas will have to much competition this season - Kleiza, Brothers, Javtokas, Jankunas.

[/quote]



You're right about Siska. He's still a very good player and he could help any team there is. Too bad that he won't play for the Lithuanian NT anymore, he would have helped them a lot.



I know that Motiejunas will have a lot of competition because there are a lot of players on his position. But it would be a great experience for him. He could learn from the olders guys and they could give him advice. By playing against them in pratice and getting tips from them, he can get better.



Straight Forward I also have another question: what do you think about Marius Petravicius? Does he still play for the NT? If he still plays for them do you think that Kemzura should take him to Eurobasket?
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#10
[quote name='Kenneth23' timestamp='1295860709' post='27992']

Straight Forward I also have another question: what do you think about Marius Petravicius? Does he still play for the NT? If he still plays for them do you think that Kemzura should take him to Eurobasket?

[/quote]



Marijonas Petravičius is willing to play for the NT, but he faces injury issues lately. He's surely will get invitation to the NT camp and if he'll be healthy I think he'll make it to the final 12. He was probably the best Lithuania's player in Eurobasket 2009 (Lithuania struggled big time though). Lithuania has two pure matured centers currently - Javtokas and Petravičius. The first one is more athletic and probably a little bit better defender, but Petravičius more all- rounded center. He can play pick & roll, he can play in law post creating the shot for him self, he's having a feeling for the right position, he can rebound and he is tough. With Jasikevičius on the team he could be very effective. If he's 100% ready, I prefer him over Javtokas. Another thing, Darjus Lavrinovič say is more offensively talented player, but when I see some games he constantly refuses to go inside the paint, I'm thinking that such hard working pure center as Petravičius would work out better for Lithuania, specially having in mind we have so many players with perfect distant shooting (not saying that Kemzūra shouldn't find place for Darjus as well).



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSd5Pv_LEEs&feature=fvw
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#11
[quote name='straight forward' timestamp='1295892380' post='27994']

Marijonas Petravičius is willing to play for the NT, but he faces injury issues lately. He's surely will get invitation to the NT camp and if he'll be healthy I think he'll make it to the final 12. He was probably the best Lithuania's player in Eurobasket 2009 (Lithuania struggled big time though). Lithuania has two pure matured centers currently - Javtokas and Petravičius. The first one is more athletic and probably a little bit better defender, but Petravičius more all- rounded center. He can play pick & roll, he can play in law post creating the shot for him self, he's having a feeling for the right position, he can rebound and he is tough. With Jasikevičius on the team he could be very effective. If he's 100% ready, I prefer him over Javtokas. Another thing, Darjus Lavrinovič say is more offensively talented player, but when I see some games he constantly refuses to go inside the paint, I'm thinking that such hard working pure center as Petravičius would work out better for Lithuania, specially having in mind we have so many players with perfect distant shooting (not saying that Kemzūra shouldn't find place for Darjus as well).



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSd5Pv_LEEs&feature=fvw

[/quote]



thanks for answering. I like both Javtokas an Petravicius because, like you said, it are both pure centers. I would take them both to Eurobasket but maybe Kemzura doesn't think that it's a good idea. Darjus is also a good player but like you said he doesn't play a lot in the paint, he loves his outside shot too much. Maybe Kemzura will take both the brothers to Eurobasket, this could be good. But with the eye on the future I would take some experienced players( like Petravicius etc.) and some young players(Motiejunas par example). The experienced bigmen could give a lot of advice to Motiejunas( and maybe Valanciunas) and they could become better players. But maybe it's too really to take the youngs guys to Eurobasket and Kemzura will maybe choose for the experienced players. Too bad Siska won't be playing at the Eurobasket
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#12
Right now I would take these:



C: Petravičius, Javtokas.

PF: Kleiza, Jankūnas, Motiejūnas.

SF: Jasaitis, Mačiulis.

SG: Gecevičius, Pocius, Seibutis.

PG: Kalnietis, Jasikevičius.



But if we could choose 13 players, then I would select Delininkaitis also - he's good shooter, can make his own shooting desicions very well and when team is struggling he could make us play better.



If Petravičius goes recovered, then he will be very good weapon. Especially offensively - just look how he plays and how he manages to use his time...he definetely should be in our roster...



However, the most important thing will be plaers' shape ;] We have many players to choose.
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#13
Kemzūra said he's having 19 players on the paper. Probably something like that:



C: Javtokas, Petravičius, D. Lavrinovič, Valančiūnas

PF: Kleiza, K.Lavrinovič, Jankūnas, Motiejūnas, Songaila

SF: Jasaitis, Mačiulis, M. Kuzminskas

SG: Kaukėnas, Gecevičius, Pocius, Delininkatis, Seibutis

PG: Jasikevičius, Kalnietis



Obviously Kemzūra will have some hard time to judge 2, 4 and 5 positions. I marked my wish if:



-Kemzura will decide to select all 14 players (new rule: 14 players on the team, but only 12 registered for one game), even if it means that 2 of them will warm the bench all the tournament. That should be the players that will face some problems in the progress I guess.

-Motiejūnas already as good as Jankūnas (he's the future key player and Kemzūra should start to think about it). I can't see how Lavrinovič brothers could be cut out if healthy.

- Javtokas and Petravičius are healthy. The tournament is long and we will need their size and mascules under the boards.

- SG...5 quality players to choose. Looking only at the naked stats Seibutis is making a great progress (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crfx-E3Qm3I), if so he might be the real competitor for Pocius and Gecevičius. I don't think Gecevičius, Pocius or Seibutis would make protests if Kemzura will leave some of them on the bench during some games. In my point of view, Kaukėnas is still starting line up SG for Lithuania.



If all will be healthy - Kemzūra will have one the most "wealthy" camps in the Lithuanian bb history.
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#14
I would not select Jasikevicius. I know he would be a great inspiration for the young players and the fans. He would be able to end his career playing at home, he would add a veteran ball handler and team leader, etc........but I just don't think he can handle it anymore.



Every year he gets progressively worse and worse and he has just gotten to the point where he plays no defense at all, he turns the ball over like crazy and he just basically is good for shooting 3 pointers to be honest. Don't get me wrong, I would definitely select him as a backup point guard, if he did not have his personality.



But, I just don't see it working with his personality. To me, if they select him they better be ready to turn the whole team over to him because I believe that is what he would want. And I just don't think he's good enough anymore to do that. IF he was willing to play like 5-8 minutes a game in crucial moments then that would be different. But somehow I just don't see him doing that. I know he did that last year with PAO and he is doing the same this year with Fener, but the Lithuanian national team is different. It's been his team for so long and that is his true passion right there. I just can't imagine Saras sitting on the bench, while Kalnietis and Gecevicius play at the back court. Maybe I'm wrong though.



[quote name='straight forward' timestamp='1289765075' post='26252']

I realised Lithuania will have a heck of competition in shooting guard position:



Kaukėnas (expressed his will to play for NT (and who wuld say he's not looking good in Siena?)

Gecevičius, Pocius (I'm enjoying the competition against these two. They are equal opponents since this summer)

Seibutis (He may not be playing for the strongest Turkey team, but he had some fantastic games, scoring over 30 points. If he'll continue doing that, how could he be not invited?)

Delininkaitis (The guy simply playing very well and knocking down his shots and he can play as PG for some minutes...)

Juškevičius (Off course he won't get to NT 2011, but he's having a monster LKL games, having some superb performances, including against Žalgiris).



Kemzūra will have some work to do this summer...

[/quote]



Pocius would be much better as a SF to me.
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#15
Well, Panathinaikos, you have a right for opinion. But the fact that he saved Rytas ass playing against Barsa and finishing with 10 assists denies your idea that Šaras can't pass any more and can't create. Both Kemzūra and Šaras are pretty smart guys - if they will agree with each other Šaras will be on the team. I don't think that any of them think that Šaras should be 30 minutes per game player for Lithuania.
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#16
fact is that neither kalnietis nor gecevicius can run the point as good as saras, even at 35, but i doubt saras will be there.
Schwach wie flasche leer
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#17
[quote name='suricata' timestamp='1296580199' post='28248']

fact is that neither kalnietis nor gecevicius can run the point as good as saras, even at 35, but i doubt saras will be there.

[/quote]



Kemzura wants him in the team, Saras wants to play. He's in if healthy.
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#18
[url="http://www.talkbasket.net/news/kleiza-undergoes-surgery-will-miss-eurobasket-4053.html"]Kleiza will miss Eurobasket[/url]
Respect and thanks for everything:

Alvertis, Bodiroga, Jasikevicius, Radja, Wilkins, Vrankovic, Fotsis, Rebraca, Kattash, Gentile, Koch, Middleton, Kutluay, Rogers, Papadopoulos, Becirovic, Tomasevic, Siskauskas, Pekovic, Lakovic, Vujanic, Chatzivrettas, Maljkovic, Spanoulis and many more to follow in the near future.
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#19
[quote name='Black Urum' timestamp='1296761503' post='28355']

[url="http://www.talkbasket.net/news/kleiza-undergoes-surgery-will-miss-eurobasket-4053.html"]Kleiza will miss Eurobasket[/url]

[/quote]



Huge loss. For me it came from nothing, even having his busy summers and so on. Hopefully he'll recover sooner that expectations for his own sake and for Olympics. Lithuania lost individually strongest player, but we have plenty young players willing to prove their value. Off course, I would lie If would say Lithuania won't be weaker team without Kleiza.
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#20
[url="http://www.talkbasket.net/news/the-truth-raptors-are-responsible-for-kleizas-injury-4058.html"][size="5"]The real and outrageous story behind Kleiza's injury.[/size][/url]
Respect and thanks for everything:

Alvertis, Bodiroga, Jasikevicius, Radja, Wilkins, Vrankovic, Fotsis, Rebraca, Kattash, Gentile, Koch, Middleton, Kutluay, Rogers, Papadopoulos, Becirovic, Tomasevic, Siskauskas, Pekovic, Lakovic, Vujanic, Chatzivrettas, Maljkovic, Spanoulis and many more to follow in the near future.
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