Former Žalgiris players Evans and Sabonis revisit Kaunas memories on arena return

For Keenanan Evans, returning to Žalgiris Arena brought back memories before he had even settled into the training hall. The former Žalgiris player said the arena’s distinctive smell immediately reminded him of his time in Kaunas.

“

It is always nice to come back. This training hall simply has a distinctive smell that unlocks memories.

Evans has returned to Lithuania after signing with Žalgiris this summer and joining London Lions on loan. The Lions have opened a training camp in Kaunas and will play three preseason games at Žalgiris Arena.

Speaking on the latest Žalgiris TV podcast with sports commentator Rytis Kazlauskas, Evans contrasted the calm he felt in Lithuania with the faster pace of London. He said the arena looked different from when he played there, but returning still felt good.

“

London’s pace is clearly much faster, so it is nice to return to the calm of Kaunas.

Sabonis, who is serving as the Lions’ head coach, reflected on his first year in the role. He said the experience had taught him how much responsibility the job carries, including the daily decisions and adjustments a head coach must handle. The season brought many sleepless nights, he said, but also lessons he wants to use to make the next campaign better.

“

There is a lot of responsibility and many things happening every day that you have to know about and adapt to.

The podcast also covered Maxwell Lewis’ progress in London, the Lions’ preseason preparations and their upcoming games in Kaunas. Sabonis said the team was looking forward to the London Lions Invitational, although it must first play a semifinal against Śląsk Wrocław. Žalgiris’ next preseason game is against Utenos Juventus on Wednesday at 5:45 p.m.

“

I learned an incredible amount, had countless sleepless nights, but I am grateful for everything.