2024-04-14 10:22:49
The next match for the Kaunas is already this Sunday, when the traditional “Betsafe-LKL” leaders’ derby will take place in the “Žalgiris” arena.
The first confrontation between “Žalgiris” and Vilnius “Ryto” ended with the victory of the Kaunas 81:67, and the second one a month ago – with a triumph of 97:94. The third confrontation will take place tonight in Kaunas, at 17:00, follow it on BTV and Go3 channels.
“We – Lithuanians – know the antagonism between these clubs. We know what this means for the club and the fans. The whole team needs to understand this. I think that the whole team already understands this well”, said Kaunas center Laurynas Birutis before the third derby.
The tall player shared his thoughts on the last season, contract extension and growth for the LKL.lt website.
“I always try, I do what I know how to do, I try to listen to the coaches’ requests and do what is better for the team,” says L. Birutis, who taught the approach.
This season, his Betsafe-LKL numbers are 10.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 16.5 assists per 19 minutes.
– Finished performance in the Euroleague – the first big stage of the season. What was this period like for you and “Žalgiris”?
– Both for me and for the team – changeable. The coach changed, we had some new players. The season in the second half of the EuroLeague was better for us as a team: more victories were won and the game was better. At Betsafe-LKL, we also started to look more confident. There were more positives in the second part of the season.
– The season is getting closer and closer to the end. How can you describe the growth of Zalgiris throughout the season and what challenges did you face?
– We changed the coach, there were quite a few defeats, later we caught the rhythm and found our roles in the attack.
– For a long time, you had the hope of the EuroLeague playoffs. Do you feel like playing better has given you more confidence?
– The face of the team changed somewhat, we were competitive in the Euroleague, especially when playing in front of our own fans. It pushed us forward. It’s nice that we stayed in the fight practically until the end. We lacked a bit in the penultimate and last games, but it’s good that we didn’t give up in the middle of the season and came back to fight.
– How did you adapt to the new coach Andrea Trinchieri?
– Everything is not bad, the coach always has comments for all players, emphasizes many details. We all try to fulfill them well. The most important thing is to try to listen to him and do what he asks, because he really has a good understanding of basketball. He just wants to push us forward.
– After the match in Monaco, A. Trinchieri cut a long monologue for you. How did you take this message from the coach?
– I don’t read the media, I stay away completely during the season. I have been following this for a couple of years.
– A. Trinchieri had discovered your “floater” weapon. Do you feel that teams are adapting to it more and more over time?
– Teams are really emphasizing it more and more, paying more attention and not allowing the shot to be thrown away easily. I have to be better at the details – defensively and offensively – and those shots will be more in some games and less in others. It also depends on the opponents and their defense systems.
– You recently extended your contract with “Žalgiris”. Has this move brought more peace?
– It’s nice to stay here, I feel the trust of the club and the coach. I will try to improve, show a good game, give my best and that’s it.
– Probably many people would mention you as one of the most surprising players of this season. Do you feel like you’ve exceeded your own expectations, especially on the international front?
– Maybe at the beginning of the season there was not so much playing time, especially in the Euroleague. December was somewhat better at Kaz, and then the coach changed as well. I always try, I do what I know how to do, I try to listen to the coaches’ requests and do what is best for the team.
– How will you try to keep your concentration for Betsafe-LKL matches when you have only one championship left to play?
– Everyone must understand that the season is not over. Yes, the EuroLeague is over, but sometimes we also struggle in Betsafe-LKL, especially against the top teams. We really can’t relax because it could cost us dearly. The most important duel awaits, now we will concentrate only on that.
– On Sunday, the third confrontation with Vilnius “Ryta” will take place. What do you expect?
– As always: we expect a physical, emotional match. It’s a derby after all. Fighting for balls and energy will be key.
– You fought among yourselves a month ago. Is it possible for teams to bring something new to their game in such a short period of time?
– I think that both we and they will change the game plan somewhat, something new can be expected.
– Before the last match, A. Trinchieri asked one of your Lithuanians to give a speech about the importance of the derby. Will it be needed now and does this kind of thing have an effect on the team?
– We Lithuanians know the antagonism between these clubs. We know what this means for the club and the fans. The whole team needs to understand this. I think the whole team already understands this well.
2024-04-14 10:22:49