The opponents of the Lithuanian basketball team in the training cycle have been revealed: an exotic challenge awaits

At the beginning of July, the Lithuanian national team will compete in Puerto Rico for the coveted Olympic ticket.

“I want to wish Kazi (Maksvytis) success, I think he is one of the most successful coaches because he won everything possible with the youth. His generation now has the opportunity to compete in men’s basketball, I think everything will be fine”, Vydas Gedvilas, president of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LKF), wished the coach success.

On Tuesday, LKF also presented the opponents of the control match.

In the preparatory cycle, Lithuanians will play against Lebanon, Slovenia and (in case of success) against Spain.

Preparation cycle schedule:

June 10: Lithuania – Lebanon (Jonava)

June 12: Lithuania – Lebanon (Kėdainiai)

June 14: Lithuania – Lebanon (Panevėžys)

June 23: Lithuania – Slovenia (Vilnius)

June 25: Slovenia – Lithuania (Ljubljana)

In case of qualifying for the Olympic Games, Lithuanians will play a friendly match against Spain in Kaunas.

It is emphasized that the first three friendly matches will be played by the Lithuanian reserve team, and the last two by the main team. K. Maksvytis will coach both the reserve and the main national team this summer.

“It is important for us that the national team plays as widely as possible, that it visits as many cities as possible, that there are as many fans as possible,” said LKF General Secretary Mindaugas Balčiūnas.

According to one of the LKF managers, they wanted to play a friendly match in the USA against the University of Arizona team, but there were additional obstacles.

“We had received approvals from FIBA, but we did not receive permission from the NCAA, it’s a pity, because this duel would have been particularly useful for us financially”, reasoned M. Balčiūnas.

LKF revealed other plans that were considered but rejected.

“We wanted to “mix it up” with a match with a team of Lithuanian NCAA players, but we failed to form a capable national team.

There was an opportunity to play in Mexico against one of the NBA G League teams, but there were too many risks, so we refused,” said M. Balčiūnas.

The Olympic basketball selection tournaments will be held on July 2-7.

The basketball tournament at the Paris Olympic Games will begin on July 27, and the final is scheduled for August 10.