raptorsnation_5 wrote:
Is Seibutis permanently done for the summer? I heard he broke his cheek bone or something... does that mean he can't play with a facemask or something?
I prefer Kaukenas in the starting lineup. I like Jasaitis and Pocius to come off the bench. Also, I think Jonas would be more productive to come off the bench as well. I don't want him to get in early foul trouble and he was a great offensive catalyst last summer when coming off the bench. Plus in the Euro game the starting lineup doesn't consist of the best players. Javtokas experience is also helpful. And yes, Jonas is a lot more efficient with Jasikevicius.
Seibutis is out of qualification tournament. He might be available for Olympics if Lithuania will qualify, but it's a question if Kemzura (head coach) would cut any guard that will helpt to qualify.
Well, Kaukėnas is our best SG if he's in shape, but he's playing after serious injury. I would like Pocius in the starting lineup because he's the most athletic and intense SG and improved in defence playing for madrid Real. I have no doubt Lithuania's main weapon should be quickness, athleticism and intensity in this tournament (the same as in WC 2010) and the best effort at defence. The main difference between 2010 team and 2012 - now we have a beast at center position and Jasikevičius' pick and rolls.
BTW, I expect a good tournament from Kalnietis. He looked great in Lithuanian league finals and he's much better passer now.
Concerning our leader Linas Kleiza, there were reports he improved his physical condition working with individual coach and that's what he really needed after the season while with raptors he was lacking time for individual preparation, trainings. In other words, I expect to see at least a little bit more athletic version of Kleiza in the NT.
