 After the unique double accomplishment of reaching the Final Four and the All-Euroleague team as a rookie last season, Montepaschi Siena big man Ksistof Lavrinovic is setting his sights even higher now. The latest Fan Mail guest on Euroleague.net, Lavrinovic fielded questions from near and far at the midway point of the Top 16, touching on topics that ranged from life in Italy to the possibility of teaming with his twin brother again to his future on the Lithuanian national team. But his answers also showed that Lavrinovic is very much focused on the competitive moment in which Montepaschi finds itself, with crucial opportunities for success coming every week. "ith his team having beaten CSKA Moscow in the last Top 16 and heading to the Russian capital to challenge the champs on their own floor next week, Lavrinovic is hoping that last year's Final Four experience will help push Montepaschi even further this time. "You cannot learn technical or basketball-related things in a Final Four game, but I got very valuable experience," Lavrinovic said. "I also got to learn that you cannot relax even when you are leading by 20 points, that the win does not come until the final buzzer. This is the best lesson I had in my life and I will take that into account forever."
Hi Ksistof. Congratulations on your team's and your personal performance this year. In recent years, Siena has made it to the Final Four and is considered as one of the favorites for the title this year. Is there something different this year that makes you believe you can bring the trophy to Siena?
Alexis Katsouris - Cyprus
"Hello Alexis. Thanks a lot for your nice words. As for the question, we want to win, just as always. The team has worked really hard this season and we want to make it to the Final Four and reach the Euroleague final. We will only manage to be among the best four teams if we work very, very hard."
Hi! Even though the roster is not filled with megastars, Montepaschi is on a roll playing classic basketball. The last game against CSKA Moscow was truly breathtaking. It seems that every single player knows his exact place on the court and the job he has to do. What's the secret of the team's stability? Greetings from Lithuania,
Andrius - Lithuania
"Thanks a lot for your question, Andrius. From my point of view, good defense is what gives us stability. We do well in offense when we play good defense. It all starts with good defense for us."
Hello Ksistof. You started your great career in Alytus, but I'd like to know how you chose basketball and not another sport? Thank you and your brother for the patriotism to our national team.
Edgaras B. - Lithuania
"Thank you, Edgaras. I tried several sports before starting to play basketball. I did karate, swimming, track and field. I was already 1.92 meters tall when I was 14 years old and I tried to play basketball with or without wanting it. I loved basketball and it has become my life from that moment."
 Hello Ksistof. What was it liked to be named to the All-Euroleague second team last year, just like your brother Darjus a few seasons earlier?
Marco D. - Siena
"Dear Marco, I was really happy - and I still am - for being one of the best 10 players in the Euroleague, especially since it was my debut season in the competition. I am proud of being part of the All-Euroleague teams, it is one of the best things that happened to me in basketball."
Mr. Lavrinovic, how do you manage to be a good three-point shooter and a good offensive rebounder at the same time. If you are looking for your three-point shot, aren't you usually too far from the basket to get rebounds? Thank you,
Casey - New Jersey, USA
"Thanks a lot for your question, Casey. I think I managed to do both things because of my mobility, and also for the great desire to fight for every possession. I work really hard and we all try to give our best, as a team, in each and every game."
Hello. Do you and your brother Darjus talk about playing on the same team again someday or would you take playing minutes from each other?
Stephane Hubbert - Lyon
"Stephane, thanks for your interest. We are looking forward to playing in the same team. Not everything is in our hands, however, it all depends on the contracts we have with our respective teams. If we are free agents in one or two years, we would like to make that desire to play together come true."
Hi Ksistof from Lithuania. You are a great three-point shooter, especially for a big man. How did that ability start and how do you practice that shot? See you at the Final Four, I hope!
Remigijus Kaupaitis - Vilnius
"Thanks for your good wishes, Remigijus. We will do all we can to make it to the Final Four this year. As for my three-point shots, there are two important factors. On one hand, it is the fruit of the hard work I put in. I stay on court at the end of each practice to take 100-200 three-point shots. On the other hand, it is God-given talent, too."
Dear Mr. Lavrinovic, I am the biggest fan you have in Israel. Have followed your career and I hope there are more good things to come, like playing for Maccabi! How much would you like to play for a team like Maccabi? We would love to have you here!
Assaf Cohen - Tel Aviv
"Thanks a lot, Assaf. Why not? Maccabi is one of the best teams in Europe, one that always plays high-level basketball. There are a big number of factors, however, contract conditions included, that make players work in one club or another."
Ciao Ksistof! How is your off-court life in Italy? How do you like to live in our country and especially how about the Italian food? Best of luck!
Mario Cimbrellini - Siena
"Thank you, Mario. I like Italy and especially Siena. It is a small but very beautiful city. I love Italian food, I think it is one of the best in Europe. I don't have much spare time between practice and games. I try to be with my family as much time as I can, walk around with my wife and my son. Or just stay at home playing with my son."
 Hi Ksistof. Montepaschi was in the Final Four last season. What did you learn there in Madrid that can help you win the Euroleague title this season! Good luck!
Antoni Medina, Barcelona
"Hello, Antoni. You cannot learn technical or basketball-related things in a Final Four game, but I got very valuable experience. I also got to learn that you cannot relax even when you are leading by 20 points, that the win does not come until the final buzzer. This is the best lesson I had in my life and I will take that into account forever."
Hello Ksistof. With so many rumors about people retiring from the Lithuanian national team, what is your position about it. Do you plan to play for Lietuva for many years? I hope so!
Paulius Buinauskas - Kaunas
"Hello, Paulius. Thanks a lot for your good wishes. I will play for the Lithuanian national team as long as I am asked to do so. Of course, I will if I am not injured and my health allows me to play."
"Thank you everybody for your questions and best wishes!"
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