Rytas Eyes FIBA Membership as Coach Žibėnas Praises New polish National Team Player
VILNIUS, Lithuania – Lithuanian basketball club Rytas is exploring the possibility of applying for membership with FIBA, the international basketball federation, according to recent statements from club officials. This potential move comes alongside growing excitement surrounding the recent acquisition of American-born player James Harding, who received Polish citizenship in August and is expected to join the Polish national team for World Cup qualifiers.
The prospect of Rytas joining FIBA could open new avenues for participation in European competitions and strengthen the club’s position within the international basketball landscape.Concurrently,Rytas head coach Gintaras Žibėnas has expressed strong confidence in Harding’s potential impact on the Polish national team,stating,”I think the Polish Basketball Federation made a good choice.First of all, he is a great personality. Your national team will have zero problems with him,and the basketball players will be happy for him on the court and outside the court – that’s 100 percent.” Žibėnas further highlighted Harding’s energetic personality and anticipated key-moment performance.
Harding, who averaged 24 points in three Champions League games, suffered a neck injury during a match against Legia in Vilnius, requiring him to be hospitalized and sidelined for 17 days. though, Žibėnas reports that Harding has fully recovered, demonstrating his resilience with a 20-point performance in just 19 minutes upon his return. “Psychologically, it’s even harder to come back, but he’s a strong personality,” Žibėnas added, noting the widespread support Harding received during his recovery.
