February 10, 2012
World Championship team profile: Lithuania
Robertas JavtokasA national team accustomed to hunting for medals, Lithuania, will try to regain that scent at the World Championships despite a generational shift and some high-profile absences. Although it won bronze medals in three of five Olympic Games since national independence in 1991, the World Championships have not been kind to Lithuania, which has finished no better than seventh in two previous tries. Things won't be any easier in Turkey as team leaders from the last decade have stepped down while key big men like the Lavrinovic brothers took this summer off. They left room for several all-around and younger talents, which means that Lithuania arrives to this tournament as a dark horse without anything to lose - but with a whole lot of basketball skill to show opponents.

#
 Name
Pos.
H.
4
 Renaldas Seibutis
G
196
5
 Mantas Kalnietis
G
196
6
 Jonas Maciulis
F
198
7
 Martynas Pocius
F
196
8
 Martynas Gecevicius
G
193
9
 Tomas Delininkaitis
G
190
10
 Simas Jasaitis
F
201
11
 Linas Kleiza
F
203
12
 Tadas Klimavicius
F
204
13
 Paulius Jankunas
F
203
14
 Martynas Andriuskevicius
C
218
15
 Robertas Javtokas
C
211
Head Coach: Kestutis Kemzura
With no players older than 31 and several 25 or younger, a youthful look balanced by plenty of Euroleague experience will be Lithuania's strong card in Turkey. Behind a singular scoring and rebounding star, All-Euroleague choice Linas Kleiza, the team will not lack for options. Veteran big man Robertas Javtokas of Power Electronics Valencia provides stability in the middle, shooters Simas Jasaitis and Martynas Gecevicius of Lietuvos Rytas can light up the nets from deep, and point guard Mantas Kalnietis of Zalgiris Kaunas brings size and ability to his role. All-around contributors like Jonas Maciulis of Armani Jeans Milano, Martynas Pocius of Zalgiris, and Renaldas Seibutis will provide diverse solutions on the perimeter, but new head coach Keztutis Kezmura will have fewer answers inside. Power forwards Paulius Jankunas and Tadas Klimavicius of Zalgiris and tall, thin center Martynas Andriuskevicius must step up like never before. To see Lithuania go far will never be a total surprise due to the great knowledge the country's players bring to the game, but to knock on the door of the medals round this time would be a huge accomplishment for this team.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Euroleague.net
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