Butkevičius Explains Why He Didn't Join the National Team: 'I Wanted to Go'

Lithuanian basketball player Arnas Butkevičius has explained his absence from the national team, citing a recurring groin injury that flared up during recent training. The decision to withdraw was made in consultation with medical staff to prioritize long-term health and performance.

"I have to say that I wanted to go to the national team, I had even promised coach Rimas. I wanted to keep that promise and had already said I would come, but as I started training more intensively, like last summer, I felt groin pain," Butkevičius stated. He described the sensations as quite strong, noting that just a couple of intense basketball practices triggered the issue.

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I have to say that I wanted to go to the national team, I had even promised coach Rimas. I wanted to keep that promise and had already said I would come, but as I started training more intensively, like last summer, I felt groin pain. The sensations were quite strong – I did a couple of more intensive basketball practices and that area immediately gave a signal that it's not ready yet.

Initially surprised by the recurrence of the pain, as he had experienced no prior warning signs, Butkevičius and the team doctors opted for a cautious approach. "We consulted with the doctors and decided it's better to spend a couple more weeks focusing on strengthening that area, rather than trying to prove something and going into heavy loads with an unprepared muscle," he explained. The player aims to avoid carrying the injury into the long upcoming season.

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We consulted with the doctors and decided it's better to spend a couple more weeks focusing on strengthening that area, rather than trying to prove something and going into heavy loads with an unprepared muscle. I don't want to carry such things into a long season later on, so the decision was made to miss the national team and intensively work on that area for two weeks.

Butkevičius also shared insights into his and his club team Žalgiris's preparation for the new season. He specifically mentioned the impressive athleticism of new player Kaodirichi, noting his "unhealthy" physical capabilities. He also touched upon the increased "trash talk" among players at this level, referencing an interaction with Edwards.

Looking ahead, Butkevičius discussed the competitive landscape within Žalgiris for the current season and addressed audience questions in a full podcast. The team is set to play its first preseason game this Saturday at 6:00 PM against Rygos "Zelli."

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What is already visible is Kaodirichi and his athleticism, which is truly unhealthy. I wasn't in that episode when he dunked with his elbow to the rim, but I've already managed to see other footage. It's enough to see one practice. Yesterday we played and it looks like he's shooting a half-hook, the ball is high, but he still dunks them.