BBL Chairman Paul Blake, and Lithuanian Basketball Federation Executive Director Paulius Motiejunas, recently met in London to discuss ways of working closely together in the future, specifically around coach and player development as well as the organising of some invitational games.
The commitment to further explore a working relationship is particularly exciting since everyone in the global game knows just how much Lithuania loves basketball. One of the few countries in the world where basketball is the number one sport, it has even been described as holding a near religious-like status in a nation where passion and dedication for basketball is arguably unrivalled.
From debating basketball in parliament, to hosting events such as EuroBasket 2011, which was determined a national festival, Lithuania has a reputation of the highest standing off the court and they also have a wonderful reputation on the floor too.
Lithuania recently participated in a sixth consecutive Olympic Games and is yet to miss out since the nation re-established independence in1992 – a quite stunning achievement for a country of their size.
They also won a bronze medal at the FIBA World Championship two years ago, and are currently celebrating the 90th anniversary of basketball in the country – the first game having been played on 23rd April in 1922.
The British Basketball League has seen a number of Lithuanians play in the competition during recent years, including the likes of Evaldas Zabas, Kastyitis Normantas, Alexas Zimnickas, Valdas Urbonavicius, Modestas Sidlauskas and Tomas Janusauskas. This season, the Lithuanian frontcourt duo Arnas Kazlauskas and Arturas Masiulis are both playing with Worcester Wolves.
Paul Blake is understandably delighted to have made a connection with the Federation and can’t wait to explore a potential working arrangement in more detail.
He said, “To have an opportunity to work with an established world-class organisation such as the Lithuanian Basketball Federation is an exciting development and particularly because their expertise and achievements are matched and perhaps even surpassed by an almost immeasurable passion for the game.”
“We will continue to work with our friends in Lithuania to see how we can take the agreement forward and strengthen links between the respective organisations.
“A central part of that strategy is embracing best practice and raising our profile, not just at home, but in other wider markets too.”
Meanwhile speaking on behalf of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, Paulius Motiejunas added, “The Lithuanian Basketball Federation wants to partner with BBL in helping promote this wonderful game. After the Olympic games, basketball in the UK will have a new generation wanting to try the sport. We want to share the experience that we have with the BBL and see if there is anything we can help with to make the game more popular among all generations”.
Story – BBL
Lithuania Photo – forumbiodiversity.com
Sabonis Photo – FIBA
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