Many times we focus all our attention on what the Greek teams are building, or at least the… powerhouses of Europe (Real, Fener, etc.). Many times, however, we miss significant moves by teams that are theoretically inferior or at least less attractive than them.
One of these underrated teams is Zalgiris from the -usually- freezing- Kaunas in Lithuania. Have we really considered what Maciulis’s team is trying to do? Probably not, judging by the minimal or even non-existent interest its transfer planning has attracted this summer.
Carsen Edwards: an offensive superweapon (especially over the last two years) and extremely tough on defense. Saben Lee: a pure scorer and a highly athletic guard. Marius Grigonis: a cornerstone for the team, a veteran with a reliable shot. Sterling Brown: a defensive machine and a relentless warrior on both ends of the floor. Jonas Valanciunas: a giant, an NBA star, who returned to his homeland for… the culture!
And as if they weren’t enough? The team already features Williams-Goss, Giedraitis, Sirvydis, Tubelis, Sliva, Butkevicius, Ulanovas, and Blazevic. A team whose main characteristic is toughness—classic Zalgiris—the… (occasional) basketball bruising, but also boundless offensive talent.
It is certainly a squad that will give us a lot to talk about this year. Generally, over the last few years, the Lithuanians have slowly and methodically become increasingly competitive, striving to reach their first European title since 1999. Certainly, with this roster, the one thing you cannot say is that they can’t make a run for the Final Four.
Because we are not talking about a super-team, stacked with endless stars. We are talking about a team that is filled with key players at almost every position, as well as role players who make a difference and are absolute… dogs!