Juventus's Star Player Reflects on Reaching LKL Finals, Eyes Championship

Lukas Uleckas, a key player for Utenos Juventus, described the feeling of reaching the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) finals as comparable to his previous championship experience with Rytas. Despite the accomplishment, Uleckas stressed that the team's focus remains sharp as they prepare to face the favored Kauno Žalgiris in the final series, which begins Sunday afternoon.

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I just really hope that everyone – the league, the fans – doesn't think that Žalgiris is guaranteed to win first place in the final. I hope they will look at us as an equal opponent and that it will be an interesting series.

"I just really hope that everyone – the league, the fans – doesn't think that Žalgiris is guaranteed to win first place in the final. I hope they will look at us as an equal opponent and that it will be an interesting series," Uleckas stated. He is currently averaging 15.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in the playoffs, drawing attention from Lithuanian national team coach Rimas Kurtinaitis. Uleckas, however, remains humble about the recognition, simply smiling and saying, "It's nice."

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It's nice.

Reflecting on the team's journey, Uleckas acknowledged the significance of their playoff success, particularly after a challenging regular season that included an 11-game losing streak. He credited the coach's unwavering belief and the team's internal conviction for their turnaround. "We weren't thinking that we had already done what we needed to do. We knew we would win against Rytas and that we would beat Neptūnas. The coach convinced us of that, and we all believed it," he said. The team is now aiming for the championship title, with Uleckas adding, "We have no reason not to believe the coach; we will go all the way."

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We weren't thinking that we had already done what we needed to do. We knew we would win against Rytas and that we would beat Neptūnas. The coach convinced us of that, and we all believed it.

Uleckas also discussed the team's mindset during their difficult period, recalling locker room conversations where they affirmed their talent despite the losses. "We were all like dead: more tired physically, but precisely because of that emotional fatigue. We knew we were good, we talked: we are such good players, but we are not winning," he explained. This self-belief, coupled with the coach's motivational approach, has propelled Juventus into the finals as an unexpected contender.

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We have no reason not to believe the coach; we will go all the way.