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  • #61
    OK, I'm dropping bomb projection. In 2028 Lithuania will win a medal. Literally. Mark my words. It will be one of the hardest and nearly impossible teams to stop offensively. It doesn't even matter how other teams will look at that point (even though USA A team will be at decline compared to their 2020 and 2024 Olympic teams, Germany will at decline cause Schroder will be 35yo and they don't have such good pure guard coming, even teams like Serbia are not without a question how they will sub Bigdanovic or Jokic who's participation in Olympics might be questionable). Doesn't matter, I think Lithuania will have either the best offense in FIBA or top 3. I actually could see the best offense overall. Even with pretty average rosters we were top 5 offensive team in EB 2022 and top 8 in FIBA 2023 WC (without Sabonis and Grigonis).

    Now, what is my projection about. Sabonis is the best screener in the world. 6.5 screen assists per game. No-one in the game can set more multiple rock solid screens in one possession than Sabonis. No-one. He's the best screener in the world. And guess what. Jakucionis will be either the best or one of the best screen players with the ball. He's special playing with screens and can create tons for himself and others in screen action. So Lithuania will have the best screening center in the game and the best (or one of the best together with such as Doncic) screen guards in the game. Literally this duet will be deadly. Sabonis made even Grigonis look like a borderline star in FIBA 2022 and 2024 (if only Grigonis wouldn't be amazing choker and wouldn't choke in the key games). Jakucionis will be absolutely UNSTOPPABLE playing with Sabonis. Literally no chance to slow him down. He would get a solid look for his shot any time he wants. Sabonis makes Fox, Monk and Derozen extremely efficient in pick and roll situations. Domas won't even need to score a lot by himself, just to screen the shit out of opponents constantly and our offense will run smoothly and unstoppably. And with that said Domas would still score much more than he did previously cause Jakucionis passing with screens is special. So offensively Sabonis and Jakucionis duel is unstippable cause Jakucionis is the guy who can take 30 shots if needed and make 50-55% of it. At the wing we will also have Buzelis who will bring extra scoring and ISO presence, so he will take a part of pressure from Jakucionis which will make Lithuania's offense just impossible to slow down essentially. Simply too much creation and ISO talent.

    KJ, Buzelis, Sabonis and solid role players as Sirvydis, Rubstavicius, Murauskas around them will make Lithuania's offense nearly unmatchable. The way KJ's skillset unfolds, I really doubt USA will have better guard with the ball. Their best chance are probably reckless Ant and La Melo, but both are reckless and don't know how to play with tight FIBA. They don't have transcendent Euro IQ for FIBA game as Doncic and Jakucionis do.

    I believe even in 2027 Lithuania may fight for medals. It will depend on Buzelis development and whenever Jakucionis will make debut this summer 2025. If both are getting their feet vet this summer, they will be mentally ready for 2027 and totally ready for 2028. I do hope that Domas will still be the same player pretty much in 2028 as 32yo (maybe even better with more polished). 18yo Jakucionis now is at the level of 24-25yo EL level players. His maturity of the game is that insane. He would step on EL court and would deliver. Being 21-22yo he will literally will play as prime/vet player. He's that ahead of time.

    My projection that we will finally see flawless Lithuania's offense and most particularly there won't be any ways to stop Domas and Jakucionis screening action. Jakucionis doesn't need much space to create his own shot and with the best screener in the world he will be unstoppable, both scoring and facilitating others. And off course Domas never ever played with anything remotely talented with screens as Jakucionis. Fox can only dream about being as good with screens as KJ. It's not even worth any word here.

    The craziest part is that Sabonis generated 543 screen points (top in the league) and Jokic 363 (best player in the game).

    The shit's coming and Lithuania climbing high via FIBA rankings:



    Sacramento Kings Breakdown & NewsSocial MediaTwitter- https://twitter.com/OfficialRomp



    LTU NT will snatch Eurobasket 2029 title with this roster:

    Jokubaitis, Marciulionis, Laurencikas
    Indrusaitis, Brazdeikis, Rubstavicius
    Buzelis, Lelevicius
    Murauskas, Sirvydis
    Tubelis, Krivas

    Comment


    • #62
      There's one guy who might be the biggest question mark of all players when it comes to this Olympic cycle. It's Nojus Indrusaitis. I have him as the most talented SG in the country. He's just natural fit at 2. He has size, skill, IQ, plus athleticism as for Euro. He now warms the bench for elite Iowa, so typical freshman story, but next season will tell much more how he's developing. I'm not sure Nojus will be ready as 22yo, but I would hope so, cause we don't have so versatile and natural scorer as shooting guard. We have tons of guys who are more of wings/swingmen (Sirvis, Rusta, Lelevicius, Iggy), but Nojus is pure guard (there's also Giedraitis, but he will never be so natural bucket as Nojus).

      If somehow turns out that Nojus is ready for Olympics 2028 I have a full force vision complete. 1. Jakucionis. 2. Indrusaitis. 3. Buzelis. 4. Murauskas. 5. Sabonis.

      Looking forward to how Nojus profile will prevail cause he is just natural scorer and can do a lot of things of the court. In 2028 our guard rotation will, IMO, be Jakucionis, Jokubaitis, Marciulionis, Sirvydis, Rubstavicius, Giedraitis, but Indrusaitis and Lelevicius will be 2 big question marks (specially Nojus). I kinda think that Iggy may not even make 2028 Olympic roster, so he might have missed a chance to suit with NT in Olympics last summer.



      LTU NT will snatch Eurobasket 2029 title with this roster:

      Jokubaitis, Marciulionis, Laurencikas
      Indrusaitis, Brazdeikis, Rubstavicius
      Buzelis, Lelevicius
      Murauskas, Sirvydis
      Tubelis, Krivas

      Comment


      • #63
        Originally posted by Straight forward View Post
        OK, I'm dropping bomb projection. In 2028 Lithuania will win a medal. Literally. Mark my words. It will be one of the hardest and nearly impossible teams to stop offensively. It doesn't even matter how other teams will look at that point (even though USA A team will be at decline compared to their 2020 and 2024 Olympic teams, Germany will at decline cause Schroder will be 35yo and they don't have such good pure guard coming, even teams like Serbia are not without a question how they will sub Bigdanovic or Jokic who's participation in Olympics might be questionable). Doesn't matter, I think Lithuania will have either the best offense in FIBA or top 3. I actually could see the best offense overall. Even with pretty average rosters we were top 5 offensive team in EB 2022 and top 8 in FIBA 2023 WC (without Sabonis and Grigonis).

        Now, what is my projection about. Sabonis is the best screener in the world. 6.5 screen assists per game. No-one in the game can set more multiple rock solid screens in one possession than Sabonis. No-one. He's the best screener in the world. And guess what. Jakucionis will be either the best or one of the best screen players with the ball. He's special playing with screens and can create tons for himself and others in screen action. So Lithuania will have the best screening center in the game and the best (or one of the best together with such as Doncic) screen guards in the game. Literally this duet will be deadly. Sabonis made even Grigonis look like a borderline star in FIBA 2022 and 2024 (if only Grigonis wouldn't be amazing choker and wouldn't choke in the key games). Jakucionis will be absolutely UNSTOPPABLE playing with Sabonis. Literally no chance to slow him down. He would get a solid look for his shot any time he wants. Sabonis makes Fox, Monk and Derozen extremely efficient in pick and roll situations. Domas won't even need to score a lot by himself, just to screen the shit out of opponents constantly and our offense will run smoothly and unstoppably. And with that said Domas would still score much more than he did previously cause Jakucionis passing with screens is special. So offensively Sabonis and Jakucionis duel is unstippable cause Jakucionis is the guy who can take 30 shots if needed and make 50-55% of it. At the wing we will also have Buzelis who will bring extra scoring and ISO presence, so he will take a part of pressure from Jakucionis which will make Lithuania's offense just impossible to slow down essentially. Simply too much creation and ISO talent.

        KJ, Buzelis, Sabonis and solid role players as Sirvydis, Rubstavicius, Murauskas around them will make Lithuania's offense nearly unmatchable. The way KJ's skillset unfolds, I really doubt USA will have better guard with the ball. Their best chance are probably reckless Ant and La Melo, but both are reckless and don't know how to play with tight FIBA. They don't have transcendent Euro IQ for FIBA game as Doncic and Jakucionis do.

        I believe even in 2027 Lithuania may fight for medals. It will depend on Buzelis development and whenever Jakucionis will make debut this summer 2025. If both are getting their feet vet this summer, they will be mentally ready for 2027 and totally ready for 2028. I do hope that Domas will still be the same player pretty much in 2028 as 32yo (maybe even better with more polished). 18yo Jakucionis now is at the level of 24-25yo EL level players. His maturity of the game is that insane. He would step on EL court and would deliver. Being 21-22yo he will literally will play as prime/vet player. He's that ahead of time.

        My projection that we will finally see flawless Lithuania's offense and most particularly there won't be any ways to stop Domas and Jakucionis screening action. Jakucionis doesn't need much space to create his own shot and with the best screener in the world he will be unstoppable, both scoring and facilitating others. And off course Domas never ever played with anything remotely talented with screens as Jakucionis. Fox can only dream about being as good with screens as KJ. It's not even worth any word here.

        The craziest part is that Sabonis generated 543 screen points (top in the league) and Jokic 363 (best player in the game).

        The shit's coming and Lithuania climbing high via FIBA rankings:



        Sacramento Kings Breakdown & NewsSocial MediaTwitter- https://twitter.com/OfficialRomp


        I would be optimistic about Lithuania too for upcoming years, it's clear that overall talent is much deeper. I'm not sure what is the ceiling though. You have to wait and see what you really have in Jakucionis, Buzelis as projected core players. That would be the most important thing to happen because it's easier to find quality role players.

        I have one problem though. When you write about Lithuania's talents it is as if it's already clear that they lived up to expectations (it's far from that), and on the other hand you expect other teams to decline like they don't have an even bigger talent pool than Lithuania. It doesn't make sense. The way I see it, Serbia, Germany, France might be even better than they are now considering their talent depth. However, 2028 is really far away and who knows what will happen by that time. But I do expect Lithuania to be much better than in previous years.

        Comment


        • #64
          Originally posted by Serbian_Layup View Post

          I would be optimistic about Lithuania too for upcoming years, it's clear that overall talent is much deeper. I'm not sure what is the ceiling though. You have to wait and see what you really have in Jakucionis, Buzelis as projected core players. That would be the most important thing to happen because it's easier to find quality role players.

          I have one problem though. When you write about Lithuania's talents it is as if it's already clear that they lived up to expectations (it's far from that), and on the other hand you expect other teams to decline like they don't have an even bigger talent pool than Lithuania. It doesn't make sense. The way I see it, Serbia, Germany, France might be even better than they are now considering their talent depth. However, 2028 is really far away and who knows what will happen by that time. But I do expect Lithuania to be much better than in previous years.
          Well, that's a projection. Meaning you are foreseeing how players/team will unfold in the future. That's why I'm saying it's a bomb projection cause to project medal winning team build around 2 prospects atm and one all NBA guy is pretty intense, that's true. But I really trust my projection in both KJ and Buzelis, specially KJ. He's really really great. He'll be a big player. I just don't see any other way, not a slightest concern or some kind of even smell failure path. Only injuries, that's it. He'll play at the star level in FIBA and most likely NBA too (NBA is a bit sneakier thing because athleticism matter a lot there, but I'm one of those who think KJ's game will translate in NBA well also cause there's tons of screens in NBA today too). Buzelis risks are a bit bigger cause I still have no definite picture how good and how consistent finisher he'll be. He surely has the skill and amazing explosiveness for Euro guys, amazing explosiveness and burst, but how consistent he can be with three, floaters, fade away jimmies is a big question still. KJ has it. He is already polished even. That makes him crazy and potential top 2-3 picks.

          No, when I say that some teams will decline potentially I meant in comparison with their own previous selves. Like USA won't have Durant, Lebron, Curry in 2028 Olympics. Can they sub that? Hell fucking no No way Literally, they have no chance to sub that. Germany I really doubt can sub Schroder. They just don't have lottery pick material at guard. So it's on Dennis top be still good at 35yo in Olympics which I think is nearly impossible for a guy who relies on athleticism a lot. Germany will be good, but without FIBA true guard star it's almost impossible to win big. Maybe some one else will prevail, but atm I don't see one. Serbia off course is on good position. Specially if Topic pans out as he can, you will be good. I really like him and he's a beast of slasher, manipulator and facilitator. And overall Serbia has some NBA material from those very young players with whom I'm not yet familiar and I don't see full picture. I know that Topic, Djurisic, Jovic and say Vukcevic, Petrovic can still field an amazing line-ups, f.e., so Serbia is one of the least teams to nitpick, but even Serbia, are we sure that any combination of these can sub Bogi/Jokic? ATM it would be too brave to say, even though I think Topic is exactly the breed that is need (but he's injured and we need to see he's OK and balling). France is off course crazy. It's hard to even argue that they will lack anything. It seemed like PG spot is weak, but with Traore and Maledon (and some others) it's still one of the deepest PG positions in the world, so France is just by all means should be a team to beat. I'm not saying Lithuania will have deeper talent pool than France.

          So my projection is that USA will lack that ultra class, Germany will struggle to sub Schroder despite their great depth position wise and Franz improvements (so they either slightly decline or stay in the same position, IMO), Serbia should likely stay having everything needed to consistently win medals (even though true FIBA guard star as Bogi still in the factory somewhere and that raises micro concerns), Spain is ambivalent and most likely lacking FIBA true guard stars (as previously Navarro, Rubio) so compared to their golden era they are in trouble, IMO, France is crazy.

          Coming back to LTU and talent pools I think it's a lot to do with how few key players prevail and how they mesh together. Like Serbia has 2 players who changes everything. Germany as well. France maybe wasn't exactly so recently, but heading further it's obvious that Wemby will carry them just has Dirk was carrying Germany or Pau Spain. It's that fashion. So it's not even entirely about really deep pool (even though you have to have great role players surely), but it's more about 1-3 changing pieces. So what I see in Jakucionis is an amazing promise. He is more special that Topic. And that's a huge claim cause Topic could be top 5 pick if not injury. Both are nasty special passers, both are masters with screens, both have tons of ISO action and manipulation for Euro guards, but hands down Jakucionis has way superior shooting profile and way more complete and divers at it. I actually think that Jakucionis is the best guard after Doncic from Europe. He's that special. So when you have such piece to build (again, I'm 100% sure he's prevailin at pros and it would be a shocker to me if he wouldn't), the best screener big in the world next to him and really explosive ISO wing in the corner, that's just what it takes to win big, IMO. And, OK, Lithuania may be shorter in terms of pure NBA material aside sure fire trio (KJ, Matas, Domas) compared to couple of other teams, but I previously stated that this upcoming gen will be the deepest in Lithuania's history when it's comes to depth. In each position we have multiple EL deep quality material. Like how many countries can field PG line of Jakucionis, Jokubaitis, Marciulionis? The latter will be superior player to Tom Walkup, if you ask me. He's gonna be big player in Europe. Jokubaitis already is to certain extent. France, Serbia yes. They have superior NBA presence. Germany maybe (but more in bigs section), but they really lack true guards there as all Euro NTs basically. Maybe Spain too, but the same problem also(Gonzalez is a wing and he's more of a hustle player). So aside France and Serbia, I really don't think Lithuania is thinner team to anybody aside those 2. And my key claim is that Lithuania's star power may be superior to Serbia's upcoming star power if Jakucionis will be that good as he can be and Buzelis will reach more of his ceiling rather than floor. As I said to me KJ is most special guard prospect in Europe (and pretty much the world). And does Serbia has Buzelis' ceiling prospect? I don't think so. You have some higher floor prospects, but if Buzelis steadily develops (which he actually does), he will be superior to Jovic and Vukcevic kinda players. That's where my optimism is coming from, not even mentioning that Lithuania usually has some "glue" which is present only because we are BB country and we seem to upper our performance level compared to actual talent on the paper.

          If our star pieces will truly prevail (and I'm 100% sure about KJ and 85% sure about Matas) - medals on the table.
          LTU NT will snatch Eurobasket 2029 title with this roster:

          Jokubaitis, Marciulionis, Laurencikas
          Indrusaitis, Brazdeikis, Rubstavicius
          Buzelis, Lelevicius
          Murauskas, Sirvydis
          Tubelis, Krivas

          Comment


          • #65
            Originally posted by Straight forward View Post

            Well, that's a projection. Meaning you are foreseeing how players/team will unfold in the future. That's why I'm saying it's a bomb projection cause to project medal winning team build around 2 prospects atm and one all NBA guy is pretty intense, that's true. But I really trust my projection in both KJ and Buzelis, specially KJ. He's really really great. He'll be a big player. I just don't see any other way, not a slightest concern or some kind of even smell failure path. Only injuries, that's it. He'll play at the star level in FIBA and most likely NBA too (NBA is a bit sneakier thing because athleticism matter a lot there, but I'm one of those who think KJ's game will translate in NBA well also cause there's tons of screens in NBA today too). Buzelis risks are a bit bigger cause I still have no definite picture how good and how consistent finisher he'll be. He surely has the skill and amazing explosiveness for Euro guys, amazing explosiveness and burst, but how consistent he can be with three, floaters, fade away jimmies is a big question still. KJ has it. He is already polished even. That makes him crazy and potential top 2-3 picks.

            No, when I say that some teams will decline potentially I meant in comparison with their own previous selves. Like USA won't have Durant, Lebron, Curry in 2028 Olympics. Can they sub that? Hell fucking no No way Literally, they have no chance to sub that. Germany I really doubt can sub Schroder. They just don't have lottery pick material at guard. So it's on Dennis top be still good at 35yo in Olympics which I think is nearly impossible for a guy who relies on athleticism a lot. Germany will be good, but without FIBA true guard star it's almost impossible to win big. Maybe some one else will prevail, but atm I don't see one. Serbia off course is on good position. Specially if Topic pans out as he can, you will be good. I really like him and he's a beast of slasher, manipulator and facilitator. And overall Serbia has some NBA material from those very young players with whom I'm not yet familiar and I don't see full picture. I know that Topic, Djurisic, Jovic and say Vukcevic, Petrovic can still field an amazing line-ups, f.e., so Serbia is one of the least teams to nitpick, but even Serbia, are we sure that any combination of these can sub Bogi/Jokic? ATM it would be too brave to say, even though I think Topic is exactly the breed that is need (but he's injured and we need to see he's OK and balling). France is off course crazy. It's hard to even argue that they will lack anything. It seemed like PG spot is weak, but with Traore and Maledon (and some others) it's still one of the deepest PG positions in the world, so France is just by all means should be a team to beat. I'm not saying Lithuania will have deeper talent pool than France.

            So my projection is that USA will lack that ultra class, Germany will struggle to sub Schroder despite their great depth position wise and Franz improvements (so they either slightly decline or stay in the same position, IMO), Serbia should likely stay having everything needed to consistently win medals (even though true FIBA guard star as Bogi still in the factory somewhere and that raises micro concerns), Spain is ambivalent and most likely lacking FIBA true guard stars (as previously Navarro, Rubio) so compared to their golden era they are in trouble, IMO, France is crazy.

            Coming back to LTU and talent pools I think it's a lot to do with how few key players prevail and how they mesh together. Like Serbia has 2 players who changes everything. Germany as well. France maybe wasn't exactly so recently, but heading further it's obvious that Wemby will carry them just has Dirk was carrying Germany or Pau Spain. It's that fashion. So it's not even entirely about really deep pool (even though you have to have great role players surely), but it's more about 1-3 changing pieces. So what I see in Jakucionis is an amazing promise. He is more special that Topic. And that's a huge claim cause Topic could be top 5 pick if not injury. Both are nasty special passers, both are masters with screens, both have tons of ISO action and manipulation for Euro guards, but hands down Jakucionis has way superior shooting profile and way more complete and divers at it. I actually think that Jakucionis is the best guard after Doncic from Europe. He's that special. So when you have such piece to build (again, I'm 100% sure he's prevailin at pros and it would be a shocker to me if he wouldn't), the best screener big in the world next to him and really explosive ISO wing in the corner, that's just what it takes to win big, IMO. And, OK, Lithuania may be shorter in terms of pure NBA material aside sure fire trio (KJ, Matas, Domas) compared to couple of other teams, but I previously stated that this upcoming gen will be the deepest in Lithuania's history when it's comes to depth. In each position we have multiple EL deep quality material. Like how many countries can field PG line of Jakucionis, Jokubaitis, Marciulionis? The latter will be superior player to Tom Walkup, if you ask me. He's gonna be big player in Europe. Jokubaitis already is to certain extent. France, Serbia yes. They have superior NBA presence. Germany maybe (but more in bigs section), but they really lack true guards there as all Euro NTs basically. Maybe Spain too, but the same problem also(Gonzalez is a wing and he's more of a hustle player). So aside France and Serbia, I really don't think Lithuania is thinner team to anybody aside those 2. And my key claim is that Lithuania's star power may be superior to Serbia's upcoming star power if Jakucionis will be that good as he can be and Buzelis will reach more of his ceiling rather than floor. As I said to me KJ is most special guard prospect in Europe (and pretty much the world). And does Serbia has Buzelis' ceiling prospect? I don't think so. You have some higher floor prospects, but if Buzelis steadily develops (which he actually does), he will be superior to Jovic and Vukcevic kinda players. That's where my optimism is coming from, not even mentioning that Lithuania usually has some "glue" which is present only because we are BB country and we seem to upper our performance level compared to actual talent on the paper.

            If our star pieces will truly prevail (and I'm 100% sure about KJ and 85% sure about Matas) - medals on the table.
            We all do some kind of projections and that's fine. It may very well be how you project it would be, but it also very likely may not. The thing is I got the impression that even with considering little homerism and bias, which is OK to certain extent, you kinda expect Lithuanian prospect to live up to expectations while you put way bigger doubt on prospects from other teams. I get that you think Jakucionis and Buzelis are special talents, but it's not like all other teams dried out in terms of high level prospects so you expect them to decline. For example, Germany will not have Schroder for much longer, but they have this kid Anderson who is pretty good playing in NCAA and might fit into Schroder's shoes. There are plenty of other prospects too. Spain will definitely be better than these days, Gonzalez, Saint-Supery, Nunez...no doubt about it. USA...I mean thy won't have Curry and James, but in terms of depth and talent, no one can really compare to them. This Flagg kid already balling as 17 y.o. Generational talent probably. But I do think they will be more vulnerable than before. So, Lithuania will improve, but the way I see it, other teams also have talent to improve. Like I said 2028 is long ahead of us, lot of new players will emerge, some talents will not live up to expectations and who knows what might happen.

            Your comparison of Jakucionis and Topic is interesting, but I still haven't watched enough of Jakucionis' live games to be able to make some conclusions. I will only say that Topic dominated at PRO level, such Euroleague teams as Partizan and Zvezda. Jakucionis still hasn't played that level of basketball. 80-90% of college players never become pro basketball players. So, who is more special or better is not yet clear and won't be until Topic comes back from injury and shows that health problems are behind him. What I do know is that Jakucionis has way better outside shot in various off the dribble moves. On the other hand, Topic has way quicker first step and slashing ability, as well as finishing around the rim in all kinds of angles. I also think Topic has more potential as true floor general with better playmaking instincts and controlling of the game. But I can't be sure in all this until I see Jakucionis more regularly and especially how Topic's body will react after injury. I mean, it might be true that Jakucionis is better talent than Topic, especially if Topic can't recover after injury. Also, college prospects are way more hyped than international prospects who don't play in NCAA, so you have to take that in consideration when ranking lottery picks. Benefit of the doubt is always in favor of college players. In ideal scenario, both of them will lead their national teams and be among best guards.

            As for star power, maybe Lithuania will have more star players than Serbia and be better, but that's not going to happen in this Olympic cycle with Jokic and Bogdanovic still leading the way. And it's not just because of them, but rather continuity, identity, coaching. Lithuania right now lacks all these factors, not just star power, and it takes time and right people and vision to build the system. Who are those people in Lithuania right now? Do you have your own "Pesic"? Those factors are just as important as talent alone.

            Comment


            • #66
              Originally posted by Serbian_Layup View Post

              We all do some kind of projections and that's fine. It may very well be how you project it would be, but it also very likely may not. The thing is I got the impression that even with considering little homerism and bias, which is OK to certain extent, you kinda expect Lithuanian prospect to live up to expectations while you put way bigger doubt on prospects from other teams. I get that you think Jakucionis and Buzelis are special talents, but it's not like all other teams dried out in terms of high level prospects so you expect them to decline. For example, Germany will not have Schroder for much longer, but they have this kid Anderson who is pretty good playing in NCAA and might fit into Schroder's shoes. There are plenty of other prospects too. Spain will definitely be better than these days, Gonzalez, Saint-Supery, Nunez...no doubt about it. USA...I mean thy won't have Curry and James, but in terms of depth and talent, no one can really compare to them. This Flagg kid already balling as 17 y.o. Generational talent probably. But I do think they will be more vulnerable than before. So, Lithuania will improve, but the way I see it, other teams also have talent to improve. Like I said 2028 is long ahead of us, lot of new players will emerge, some talents will not live up to expectations and who knows what might happen.

              Your comparison of Jakucionis and Topic is interesting, but I still haven't watched enough of Jakucionis' live games to be able to make some conclusions. I will only say that Topic dominated at PRO level, such Euroleague teams as Partizan and Zvezda. Jakucionis still hasn't played that level of basketball. 80-90% of college players never become pro basketball players. So, who is more special or better is not yet clear and won't be until Topic comes back from injury and shows that health problems are behind him. What I do know is that Jakucionis has way better outside shot in various off the dribble moves. On the other hand, Topic has way quicker first step and slashing ability, as well as finishing around the rim in all kinds of angles. I also think Topic has more potential as true floor general with better playmaking instincts and controlling of the game. But I can't be sure in all this until I see Jakucionis more regularly and especially how Topic's body will react after injury. I mean, it might be true that Jakucionis is better talent than Topic, especially if Topic can't recover after injury. Also, college prospects are way more hyped than international prospects who don't play in NCAA, so you have to take that in consideration when ranking lottery picks. Benefit of the doubt is always in favor of college players. In ideal scenario, both of them will lead their national teams and be among best guards.

              As for star power, maybe Lithuania will have more star players than Serbia and be better, but that's not going to happen in this Olympic cycle with Jokic and Bogdanovic still leading the way. And it's not just because of them, but rather continuity, identity, coaching. Lithuania right now lacks all these factors, not just star power, and it takes time and right people and vision to build the system. Who are those people in Lithuania right now? Do you have your own "Pesic"? Those factors are just as important as talent alone.
              IMO, we underrate USA decline after Kobe, Lebron, KD, Curry, maybe even Wade. I'm not sure USA will have Wade level player for upcoming 4 years. Maybe Ant. Maybe. USA been in obvious trouble 2023 and many several other times, when they didn't have that true A class as mentioned players. They need them to secure domination. I didn't see whole a lot, but Anderson is not a transcendent prospect who could be a true FIBA star, IMO. Maybe further watch needed, but I didn't see it in him. So I really doubt. Spain will be good, but I'm not yet sure Nunez can be that guy, but he's the best Spain's pure guard, IMO. OK, I should never underrate Spain, we all know, but I kinda think they might have star issue. This thing with USA, IMO, will be more interesting than it may look. They will struggle, IMO, to certain extent.

              Yeah, well, I would say that KJ's and Topic facilitation summa summarum is on the same level. Maybe Topic can be a bit more steady and consistent with it and maybe even more of a first pass mentality than Jakucionis who is a very willing scorer, but Jakucionis showed he can completely take over with passing alone if needed. Like in his first 4-5 NCAA games he was all about passing and he totally was taking the game over with nasty dishing, each possession he was creating preassure with intense facilitation. Both are special passers, but makes great quick reads and both moves the ball like gods, so it's hard to say at the moment who is better passer or play maker so to say. You shouldn't doubt KJ's translation too PRO's though. Dude's scoring like 20pts in 4 minutes as PRO for Barca. He's just good whereever he would play. Many people call him NBA ready now. Like literally today and I think he would look pretty well in NBA at this very moment. Topic may exceed as more athletic finished nearer the basket though. He would like playing a bit more up the rim and elevates with more burst. But Jakucionis has probably even more sneaky foot work and that plus wingspan and fade away mid range jimmies, so I'm not sure Topic will have huge advantage here. Jakucionis I think may be a bit better defender too when he wants to. But both are primarily offensive players so D end shouldn't be overemphasized. I think Topic will be very good, but KJ is just more complete lead guard with transcendent shooting profile. He has everything.

              Well, I doubt Bogi will still be that good. He's slowly declining and in 2028 won't be a star anymore, IMO. Jokic still would be I think, even though he won't be any younger. Obviously you'll need guys like Jovic, Topic t step up. So we'll see.

              And, yes, Lithuania is struggling with coaching. But ironically Kurtinaitis is good fir for a team who should just build big time around Jakucionis. And if Kurtinaitis will fail miserably, I secretely wish that Jasikevicius would take over even this Olympic cycle (less likely though). I just believe that in NT you should just have spot on role defined and few spot on sets, game plan. We will surely build around KJ, Sabonis, Buzelis and that's a good thing.

              LTU NT will snatch Eurobasket 2029 title with this roster:

              Jokubaitis, Marciulionis, Laurencikas
              Indrusaitis, Brazdeikis, Rubstavicius
              Buzelis, Lelevicius
              Murauskas, Sirvydis
              Tubelis, Krivas

              Comment


              • #67
                Originally posted by Straight forward View Post

                IMO, we underrate USA decline after Kobe, Lebron, KD, Curry, maybe even Wade. I'm not sure USA will have Wade level player for upcoming 4 years. Maybe Ant. Maybe. USA been in obvious trouble 2023 and many several other times, when they didn't have that true A class as mentioned players. They need them to secure domination. I didn't see whole a lot, but Anderson is not a transcendent prospect who could be a true FIBA star, IMO. Maybe further watch needed, but I didn't see it in him. So I really doubt. Spain will be good, but I'm not yet sure Nunez can be that guy, but he's the best Spain's pure guard, IMO. OK, I should never underrate Spain, we all know, but I kinda think they might have star issue. This thing with USA, IMO, will be more interesting than it may look. They will struggle, IMO, to certain extent.

                Yeah, well, I would say that KJ's and Topic facilitation summa summarum is on the same level. Maybe Topic can be a bit more steady and consistent with it and maybe even more of a first pass mentality than Jakucionis who is a very willing scorer, but Jakucionis showed he can completely take over with passing alone if needed. Like in his first 4-5 NCAA games he was all about passing and he totally was taking the game over with nasty dishing, each possession he was creating preassure with intense facilitation. Both are special passers, but makes great quick reads and both moves the ball like gods, so it's hard to say at the moment who is better passer or play maker so to say. You shouldn't doubt KJ's translation too PRO's though. Dude's scoring like 20pts in 4 minutes as PRO for Barca. He's just good whereever he would play. Many people call him NBA ready now. Like literally today and I think he would look pretty well in NBA at this very moment. Topic may exceed as more athletic finished nearer the basket though. He would like playing a bit more up the rim and elevates with more burst. But Jakucionis has probably even more sneaky foot work and that plus wingspan and fade away mid range jimmies, so I'm not sure Topic will have huge advantage here. Jakucionis I think may be a bit better defender too when he wants to. But both are primarily offensive players so D end shouldn't be overemphasized. I think Topic will be very good, but KJ is just more complete lead guard with transcendent shooting profile. He has everything.

                Well, I doubt Bogi will still be that good. He's slowly declining and in 2028 won't be a star anymore, IMO. Jokic still would be I think, even though he won't be any younger. Obviously you'll need guys like Jovic, Topic t step up. So we'll see.

                And, yes, Lithuania is struggling with coaching. But ironically Kurtinaitis is good fir for a team who should just build big time around Jakucionis. And if Kurtinaitis will fail miserably, I secretely wish that Jasikevicius would take over even this Olympic cycle (less likely though). I just believe that in NT you should just have spot on role defined and few spot on sets, game plan. We will surely build around KJ, Sabonis, Buzelis and that's a good thing.
                Bogi's role with Hawks and NT are two different worlds. When I see him declining in NT, then we will face it, but until then he is the same old good Bogi. Even if he can't play in 2028, I'm pretty sure someone from Topic, Djurisic, Kostic, Drezgic, Srzentic...or whoever will fit into his shoes.

                USA probably won't be as good, but Edwards and others are not some scrubs we are talking about here, they are still team to beat.

                I also think it will be interesting to see how Lithuania will work under Kurtinaitis in terms of identity and building new system. Lithuania is in some kind of transition and rebuilding as it seems to me right now. I'm not familiar with Kurtinaitis' coaching profile, so it will be interesting to see how things will shape up.

                Comment


                • #68
                  Originally posted by Serbian_Layup View Post

                  Bogi's role with Hawks and NT are two different worlds. When I see him declining in NT, then we will face it, but until then he is the same old good Bogi. Even if he can't play in 2028, I'm pretty sure someone from Topic, Djurisic, Kostic, Drezgic, Srzentic...or whoever will fit into his shoes.

                  USA probably won't be as good, but Edwards and others are not some scrubs we are talking about here, they are still team to beat.

                  I also think it will be interesting to see how Lithuania will work under Kurtinaitis in terms of identity and building new system. Lithuania is in some kind of transition and rebuilding as it seems to me right now. I'm not familiar with Kurtinaitis' coaching profile, so it will be interesting to see how things will shape up.
                  Well, you can see slight decline since 2019. I think this will be the path from now on, he's role will be constantly declining:
                  Explore the career and performances of Bogdan Bogdanovic. Access all stats, latest news, photos, videos and achievements.


                  Sure, USA will still be a force, but not winning tournaments and being in a small final or even not making semis might be a reality for them. I would predict they that they will fight for medals more than titles from no-one.
                  LTU NT will snatch Eurobasket 2029 title with this roster:

                  Jokubaitis, Marciulionis, Laurencikas
                  Indrusaitis, Brazdeikis, Rubstavicius
                  Buzelis, Lelevicius
                  Murauskas, Sirvydis
                  Tubelis, Krivas

                  Comment


                  • #69
                    Originally posted by Straight forward View Post

                    Well, you can see slight decline since 2019. I think this will be the path from now on, he's role will be constantly declining:
                    Explore the career and performances of Bogdan Bogdanovic. Access all stats, latest news, photos, videos and achievements.


                    Sure, USA will still be a force, but not winning tournaments and being in a small final or even not making semis might be a reality for them. I would predict they that they will fight for medals more than titles from no-one.
                    18/4/4 on great shooting efficiency. That is not decline in my eyes. How many players today have that statline?

                    It's one thing to play without Jokic, like in Manilla, and it's different game when you have Jokic in your team. Bogi had bigger usage without Jokic and a lot more responsibility having to be the main scorer and creator. It's logical that he would score more in such circumstance. However, when you are playing with Jokic, everything changes and Bogi is smart enough to know that and not force anything, he just played of off Jokic'c gravity and took the ball only when we needed him. That's team basketball and Bogi adjusted as well as we expected in that role. He alone said that playing with Jokic makes his life easier and brings a lot of opportunities for the whole team. I even thought he was going to score less than he did in Paris. When I see drop off in overall efficiency, creation, shooting, then I think those will be signs of decline. 18/4/4 on great shooting efficiency is elite and I take that without blinking.

                    Comment


                    • #70
                      Paulius Murauskas unleased 30/10. I still very comfortably have him best 4 long term. Perfect guy who can both be system player and go to guy if needed. He can take the ball in the mid range, face up, either shoot or drive and if he sill doesn't have a shot at the rim he can post you up with low post moves. Very versatile, good rebounder, not a bad passer, and learned to be patient with what the game gives to him. 31% three is not enough, but the form is there and he should polish his shot in 2-3 years comfortably.

                      With Sabonis (and later Stombergas) at 5, Murauskas at 4, Buzelis at 3 will allow us to easily be he best rebounding NT in the world. Let alone that KJ is rebounding monster at 1.

                      I watched Rubstavicius vs Zal and I like him more than Sirvydis. I think he has a higher ceiling. Main reason he is tough and has unmatched motor. He is a bruiser at 2/3 and he can get to the FT line. He's a fighter and he's just a winner. He is tough on himself and opponents and he has the same pedigree as our old school players. He cares and he lives and dies on he court.
                      LTU NT will snatch Eurobasket 2029 title with this roster:

                      Jokubaitis, Marciulionis, Laurencikas
                      Indrusaitis, Brazdeikis, Rubstavicius
                      Buzelis, Lelevicius
                      Murauskas, Sirvydis
                      Tubelis, Krivas

                      Comment

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