Kurtinaitis to Continue as Lithuania National Basketball Coach

Rimas Kurtinaitis has decided to continue as the head coach of the Lithuanian national basketball team. He had initially submitted his resignation following the conclusion of the first qualifying stage for the 2027 World Championship. However, the Lithuanian Basketball Federation's executive committee expressed its full confidence in Kurtinaitis during a meeting on Friday. The committee unanimously proposed that he continue leading the national team. Kurtinaitis announced his decision to remain on Saturday, citing the strong support from the basketball community and a sense of obligation to Lithuanian basketball. He acknowledged the emotional toll of recent losses, particularly after the defeat in Italy, and accepted responsibility as a coach. The national team is set to begin the second qualifying stage for the 2027 World Championship in Istanbul against Turkey on August 28, followed by a home game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Vilnius on August 31.

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After the loss in Italy, there were many experiences and emotions. The responsibility for the team's losses primarily falls on the coaches, and I am used to setting high standards for myself. However, I see strong support from the basketball community, I feel a great obligation to Lithuanian basketball, so I decided to continue working.