Behind the Scenes: Kaunas "Žalgiris" Players Get Acquainted with Lithuania and Hear Bold Words from Navickas

The first episode of "Žalgirio užkulisiai" (Behind the Scenes of "Žalgiris") offers a glimpse into the preparations of the Kaunas basketball team. The episode covers everything from the players' arrival at Vilnius Airport to tours of the "Žalgiris" Arena and footage from their first practice session.

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We have a very intriguing year ahead, a lot of hype. It's not always easy to handle, but we have a lot of talent. I think it will be a fun year – we have to prove our potential, as we did last season. We had a good season, but I think our expectations are higher this year.

Newcomer Dustinas Sleva shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, "We have a very intriguing year ahead, a lot of hype. It's not always easy to handle, but we have a lot of talent. I think it will be a fun year – we have to prove our potential, as we did last season. We had a good season, but I think our expectations are higher this year."

The episode also features Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu's journey from his hotel to the arena, during which he demonstrated his knowledge of Lithuanian basketball and culture. "I know Arvydas Sabonis – he is a legend of Lithuania and the Portland Trail Blazers. I also know Mindaugas Kuzminskas – he, like Jonas Valančiūnas, was in the NBA 2K game," Akobundu-Ehiogu said.

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I know Arvydas Sabonis – he is a legend of Lithuania and the Portland Trail Blazers. I also know Mindaugas Kuzminskas – he, like Jonas Valančiūnas, was in the NBA 2K game.

Viewers will also see Sterling Brown and Saben Lee's first visit to the "Žalgiris" Arena, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of the players' medical and physical examinations. Deividas Sirvydis spoke about his teammate Saben Lee, "I know Saben, we played together on the Detroit Pistons. We also played together a bit in the G League, so it will be fun to see each other – he really has explosive energy."

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I know Saben, we played together on the Detroit Pistons. We also played together a bit in the G League, so it will be fun to see each other – he really has explosive energy.

Before the team's first practice, "Žalgiris" Sports Director Gediminas Navickas addressed the players in the locker room. "We believe we have the most talented team in the history of the "Žalgiris" club. We are always here to support and help you. We also promise to speak directly and be open when difficulties arise. Once again, congratulations on the start of the season and we can't wait to get to work," Navickas said.

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We believe we have the most talented team in the history of the "Žalgiris" club. We are always here to support and help you. We also promise to speak directly and be open when difficulties arise. Once again, congratulations on the start of the season and we can't wait to get to work.