Žalgiris Players Will Sit Out Lithuania National Team Selection Window
Kaunas – Despite five Žalgiris players reportedly receiving invitations to join the Lithuanian national team, none will participate in the upcoming selection window, according to Žalgiris president Paulius Jankūnas. Gytis Radzevičius, Artūras Gudaitis, Ignas Sargiūnas, Gytis masiulis, and Martynas Paliukėnas were identified last week by their coach, ibėnas, as potential national team members.
The absence of Žalgiris portrayal stems from a lack of formal dialog with the Lithuanian Basketball Federation. Jankūnas stated the club has not received an official appeal or letter regarding the players’ participation. while open to collaboration,he emphasized the clubS willingness to accommodate players’ desires to represent their country,contingent upon agreement with the federation and no internal obstacles.
“The players’ representation of the national teams is, first of all, their own choice and personal desire,” Jankūnas said. “The club respects the decision of each player – if the players want to represent their country and ther is an agreement with the federation and there are no obstacles from our side, we always look for a common solution.”
Jankūnas indicated he would consider requests from the association led by Mindaugas Balčiūnas, but stressed the importance of direct communication. the situation raises questions about coordination between the club and the national team program, particularly as Lithuania prepares for upcoming international competitions.
