Jakučionis won't play in upcoming qualifiers due to NBA commitments

Lithuanian basketball player Kasparas Jakučionis has confirmed he will not participate in the upcoming 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers. The decision comes despite an earlier positive response to coach Rimas Kurtinaitis and a desire to represent his country.

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In the upcoming window, I will not be there. I always want to participate.

Jakučionis explained that his NBA team, the Milwaukee Bucks, requires his presence for training camp in early August. "There is really no chance," he stated, emphasizing that his NBA commitments take precedence. He was speaking to the media at his "Make A Play" camp in Vilnius.

The young player, who officially debuted for the men's national team in the previous World Cup qualifying window, reflected on the team's past "fiasco" in Italy. "There is definitely bitterness. That loss will be remembered," Jakučionis said. However, he stressed the importance of looking forward and learning from mistakes.

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There is really no chance.

Despite the team's complicated path to the World Cup, Jakučionis expressed optimism. "I believe. If there is even a small chance, we all need to believe, because there is one. It's not that we haven't qualified. There are still chances," he stated.

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There is definitely bitterness. That loss will be remembered. But now you don't need to look at the past, because you can't change anything anyway. You need to look to the future and try to learn from mistakes and not make them again.

Addressing recent talk of potential boycotts within the team, Jakučionis distanced himself, saying no one had urged him not to play. He reiterated his personal desire to always participate but acknowledged he simply cannot this time. He also mentioned he had not followed the recent team scandals closely, preferring to rest.

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I believe. If there is even a small chance, we all need to believe, because there is one. It's not that we haven't qualified. There are still chances.