Lithuania's basketball coach Kurtinaitis evaluates team's preparation after final friendly win

Lithuania's national basketball team wrapped up its preparatory matches with a win, defeating Michigan University 96-84 in Vilnius. Head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis, though taking time to appear at the press conference, indicated that decisions regarding the final roster for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers are still pending. He described the cycle of friendly games as beneficial, emphasizing the team's fight throughout the matches, even when trailing.

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We fought the whole game, which is exactly what we wanted during this period. We lost to the Estonians in overtime before, but such things temper you, teach you to fight to the end. And today we were trailing the opponents, but we came back. So, I assess the preparation positively, and we'll see what happens next.

Kurtinaitis acknowledged persistent issues within the team, specifically citing concerns about recurring errors and difficulties with rebounding. He noted a physical disadvantage against opponents but stressed that games like these, even against a university team, are crucial for development. "These kinds of games gave a lot, regardless of whether we played with students," Kurtinaitis stated, adding that playing against American teams in Lithuania is a welcome development. He also addressed the relatively low attendance at the recent games, suggesting that fans in larger cities like Kaunas might be more accustomed to high-level club basketball, such as the EuroLeague, and perhaps find international friendlies less compelling.

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We were physically inferior. That's why games of this nature gave a lot, regardless of whether we played with students. I think it's commendable to play with Americans in Lithuania. Sometimes you judge too harshly when we lose friendly games. They are for improving. This stage gave a lot.

The team is set to travel to Turkey with a larger group of 14 candidates, allowing Kurtinaitis to make the final selection for the 12-player squad at the last moment. This preparation phase included an overtime loss to Estonia and a defeat against the University of Arizona team. Lithuania's upcoming World Cup qualifiers are scheduled for August 28th away against Turkey and August 31st at home against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Michigan University, the opponent in the latest friendly, recently won the NCAA championship for the second time in their history.

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What can I say – Kaunas sees a lot of basketball, maybe the EuroLeague seems more important to them. I've noticed that in Klaipėda and Kėdainiai, the stands are full, and the big cities are saturated with club basketball. Well, those who did come today seemed to leave satisfied.