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2025 Lithuanian NT

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  • #16
    Leksas unleashed his 2028 projection and mostly I agree, but I would move some players positions wise and maybe even roles wise.

    That's mine.

    Jakucionis, Jokubaitis, Marciulionis
    Indrusaitis, Rubstavicius, D. Giedraitis
    Buzelis, Sirvydis, Lelevicius/Brazdeikis
    Murauskas, Sedekerskis (*Matas)
    Sabonis, Tubelis, Krivas, Valanciunas

    To me, this starting 5 is needed for a serious chance to sneak into contenders territory. I have almost no doubt that Jakucionis will be the best guard at the time if his development will be smooth. Indrusaitis may not yet be the main SG at 22, but I would hope for it. He is nearly as talented as Macijauskas. Less shooting, but much more versatility inside. People don't get that Indrusaitis versatility is super rare and that's the top talent (some people I mean). He's at the tier of Siska, Macas essentially talent wise. His essentiality is overlooked by mediocre LKL BB figure. If we pack our SG position with him as top piece, it's fantastic. Buzelis is the key off course (a long with Jakucionis). No need to say anything else, just look what Franz doing. Murauskas has to stretch the floor (essential) and here and there add his ISO talent. Sabonis will have more freedom too if all these pieces will pan out.

    What might be an issues of this potential starting 5? Depends how 1-4 positions shooting develops. That's the main question. All guys have very promising shooting profiles, but none of them are at Kurtinaitis/Karnisovas/Macijauskas/Stombergas soil shooting wise. I think all will be solid shooters, but it shouldn't be anything less if we want success. If say all these guys will be shooting only 32%, that's not gonna be good enough. Sure, all are extremely versatile and they will punish people with their driving and mid range game. Like literally all 1-4 guys have driving/midrange game and that's a big plus, but for this line-up to mesh, their shooting should be developing well in upcoming 4 years. Defensively this team would be pretty OK.

    Why I don't put Jokubaitis and Rubstavicius as a starting line-up? Simple. Jakucionis is better than Jokubaitis. Rubstavicius maybe...but he's not as versatile and much worse defender than Indrusaitis. Off course, in 2028 Jokubaitis and Rubstavicius may still be starters, but for LTU BB is the key to wait my starting line-up to pan out. Then we have ENOUGH scoring power, versatility and talent to match any opponent (I mean truly compete and even win). Lithuania can't expect to have more talent that this line-up (assuming panning out) cause it is simply impossible. That line-up essentially means 3 NBA players (Jakucionis, Buzelis, Sabonis) and 2 boderline NBA players (Indrusaitis, Murauskas). I actually still think that Indrusaitis may sneak into NBA and we will have 4 legitimate NBA players into starting line-up.

    Back-ups are great for back-ups. The problem only is that most of them as Jokubaitis, Rubstavicius, Sirvydis, Lelevicius, Brazdeikis are poor defenders. That will limited their upside. But prime Jokubaitis and Rubstavicius can be that good offensively that they would still be huge addition to success with their roles. Here it's important to fill the gaps with grindy guards as D. Giedraitis and A. Marciulionus. You have to have those hard workers who would bight the floor literally.

    NT coach will have tons of options how to manage the rotation. Hope he won't screw as much as Maksvytis who completely mishandled this Olympic cycle. Completely. We need more grip defensively and that's why I think some of offensive talents that could thrive in 10s, like (I'm guessing) Brazdeikis, Sirvydis, Lelevicius, will have to be a bit sidelined for the sake of result.

    For my tastes, I play that starting line-up a lot and throw some gutsy players defensively from the bench like Marciulionis, D. Giedraitis, Sedekerskis. This way we can have very spot on 2 way presence. And NBA scrubs as Alvarado wouldn't make a joke of us. And I play only true offensive standouts as my rotation pieces - Jokubaitis, Rubstavicius (maybe Sirvydis depending how consisten he'll become).

    It's funny, but I even see the scenario when players as Jokubaitis, Rubstavicius, Sirvydis, Brazdeikis, Lelevicius (one way offensive players) will be barely needed for the NT in 2028 or 2029. If that starting 5 is ready and I have great defenders (who can play quality offense too) as my bench, I have a team, and for former offensive players I can see only little roles.

    We'll have way more talent compared to 10's. The key however is that Jakucionis, Indrusaitis, Buzelis would turn out into standouts. NBA players. Only this way we can build contending NT in 20s. Talent level is crazy in FIBA competition. But if these 3 players pan out - We're good. Cause we will have even superior bench to most NTs (yes, maybe even including big players as Serbia, Germany, France, Spain). Having pieces like Jokubaitis, Rubstavicius, Sirvydis, Sedekerskis, Tubelis, Krivas off bench....Not every NT can field that.
    Last edited by Straight forward; 08-12-2024, 12:38 PM.
    LTU NT will snatch Eurobasket 2029 title with this roster:

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

    Comment


    • #17
      Not a great defensive starting five. I think much will depend on the developments of Jakucionis and Buzelis. Buzelis looks good. I like him but I need to see his commitment to the NT. Both must be difference making players and I can see it in Buzelis but Jakucionis needs to prove it first.

      Next point is how much Murauskas shot comes around. And there is no way Krivas will be behind Tubelis in 2028.

      Comment


      • #18
        Originally posted by Toruko View Post
        Not a great defensive starting five.
        Not great for sure, but for Lithuanian standards pretty good or even good. Except Sabonis every player has capability to stand one's ground defensively. And even Sabonis is improvement compared to Valanciunas. Slight one, but still. The problem is that both Jakucionis and Indrusaitis have a bit inconsistent defensive motor. When they fully engaged they can do it. But specially Indrusaitis has inconsistent defensive motor and for him the key is to fix that. But he has tools - IQ, awaraness, length. The same with Jakucionis. Not a lock down defenders, but solid defenders. The glue guy and most versatile defender Buzelis. He can be great with his size and great blocking time. Murauskas can stand his ground. Solid defender in post positions, and if he will play 4, he won't have issues with his pretty bad lateral quickness. Match this starting line-up with Krivas, and this this becomes even better. But again, overall I see this line-up as potentially great offensively and potentially decent/solid defensively which would be very attractive combination.


        Originally posted by Toruko View Post
        I think much will depend on the developments of Jakucionis and Buzelis. Buzelis looks good. I like him but I need to see his commitment to the NT. Both must be difference making players and I can see it in Buzelis but Jakucionis needs to prove it first.
        Both needs to prove that, but understand what you mean. Buzelis athleticism and size are just different and it makes him surer case for big things. On other hand, Kasparas feel for the game and IQ is special and he also has plus size for his position, and he's a guard. Pure guards today is more deadly. See Curry > Lebron/Durant in this Olympics.


        Originally posted by Toruko View Post
        ​ Next point is how much Murauskas shot comes around.
        True. But also the same Buzelis can easily play 4 with his 6'10 or 6'11 whatever. Defensively he's a bit of Kirilenko. Offensively he can play 2-4, but mainly 3-4 I think. So I can see him playing some 4, making extremely versatile line-ups like - Jakucionis, Indrusaitis, Rubstavicius (203cm), Buzelis (209cm), Sabonis (211cm). So it's not only to Murauskas to cover 4. But, yeah, it would be great if Murauskas pans out. He's a monster rebounder, can shoot, play some face to the basket and even post up. Complete 4.



        Originally posted by Toruko View Post
        ​​ And there is no way Krivas will be behind Tubelis in 2028.
        As a player (most likely NBA) yes. But as NT piece not necessary. I want to see up tempo and Tubelis may be offering a bit of stretching the floor at 5. When you have that starting 5 of 1-4 positions, what do you want? More driving paths. Kaspa, Nojus, Matas (1-3) can slash the hell out of you. Krivas camping in the paint area offensively is not very attractive idea.
        LTU NT will snatch Eurobasket 2029 title with this roster:

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

        Comment


        • #19
          Jakucionis and Indrusaitis have a bit inconsistent defensive motor
          A bit? Indrusaitis does not defend at all and Jakucionis is just bad although he has the attributes. Your starting five has 3 bad defenders, so it seems. Well, its a way to play the game. As long as you score more than others everything is all right. But this is not the problem. Your main objective is to find your Dennis Schr

          Comment


          • #20
            Another point is that both of those guys but especially Indrusaitis cares only about scoring. Never saw that kid creating for others. Jakucionis is very ball dominant himself and the U18 tournament showed what kind of problem it could lead.

            Comment


            • #21
              Originally posted by Toruko View Post

              A bit? Indrusaitis does not defend at all and Jakucionis is just bad although he has the attributes. Your starting five has 3 bad defenders, so it seems. Well, its a way to play the game. As long as you score more than others everything is all right. But this is not the problem. Your main objective is to find your Dennis Schr
              Nah, you're too harsh here. Indrusaitis can play D when he wants. He specially showed it well last summer with U18 being 17yo. He has it, just that he doesn't love to play much D. But that's fixable. If a player can't play D, he won't ever learn it. Like Jasikevicius. He just didn't have legs for it, no lateral quickness (+ unwillingness to play D). Nojus has the package, and it's about the coach - bro, go play D or hit the B. Jakucionis started the tournament without D and then tuned to next level in last 3 games or so. There been issues with stamina in the team. But he can really play D. I've seen some great stretches/games defensively for Kasparas in U18. The problem that he doesn't have mentality of D. Giedraitis. He bights opponents 100% of time and concentration.

              SI.com had a spot on take on Jakucionis - The aforementioned playmaking is obvious, but even on the defensive end, he knows how to read opposing guards and get his hands active in passing lanes, causing live ball turnovers.

              Brad Underwood's Fighting Illini landed two major prospects in the 2025 freshman class in guard Kasparas Jakucionis (Lithuania) and wing Will Riley, two players


              Originally posted by Toruko View Post
              Your main objective is to find your Dennis Schr
              BTW, Bleacherreporter just dropped Kasparas at 9# spot. That's the highest so far I've seen. If Lithuanian PG is packed as top 10 pick it's totally nasty. Now I think he stands as 14-28 pick realistically (my take). It will depend how he will look in NCAA. Will coach unleash him as true starter minutes wise. He needs to become even more tougher and work on his feet work and handles. He cans still add a lot.

              Jakucionis is our best shot and I think he will be good. I'm really optimistic about our offense with Kaspa, Nojus, Buzelis. That should be really good presence at 1-3. And with increased talent around Sabonis, maybe Domas can feel less defensive attention and utilize that as well.

              The 2025 mock draft board was worth updating after the completion of the major AAU tournaments, NBA camps, FIBA play and the Paris Olympics. The U18 European…
              LTU NT will snatch Eurobasket 2029 title with this roster:

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

              Comment


              • #22
                About Jakucionis I like him around the rim. He has surely enough ball control and size to finish with high percentage. His decision making is very bad though. His shot does look ok but needs work. The rankings now does not mean anything. His NCAA season will decide about his future and what role hell inherit in the future.

                Comment


                • #23
                  Originally posted by Toruko View Post
                  About Jakucionis I like him around the rim. He has surely enough ball control and size to finish with high percentage. His decision making is very bad though. His shot does look ok but needs work. The rankings now does not mean anything. His NCAA season will decide about his future and what role hell inherit in the future.
                  I think U18 was pretty nice scene for a test and that 37pts on Traore was pretty nice Yeah, bad NCAA season can cut all that. Minutes is essential. If you wash the bench you can't show your self (Murauskas, Berke and so on).
                  LTU NT will snatch Eurobasket 2029 title with this roster:

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

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    Originally posted by Straight forward View Post

                    I think U18 was pretty nice scene for a test and that 37pts on Traore was pretty nice Yeah, bad NCAA season can cut all that. Minutes is essential. If you wash the bench you can't show your self (Murauskas, Berke and so on).
                    Its always the same with these french guys. They can create for themselves but incomplete player. They may be successful in the last lets say 3-4 tournaments but they play shitty basketball. I am not convinced at all. If you need a role model country you should really pick Serbia. The Serbs know how to play basketball.
                    Last edited by Toruko; 08-12-2024, 06:35 PM.

                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Well France got silver so they do something right. I think the best school of Europe is Spanish. I respect Serbian basketball a lot, but I don't like the country much. I think the future of BB is more like Spanish basketball, uptempo.

                      Traore has it BTW. His facilitation and going down hill is special.
                      LTU NT will snatch Eurobasket 2029 title with this roster:

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

                      Comment


                      • #26
                        Originally posted by Straight forward View Post
                        Well France got silver so they do something right. I think the best school of Europe is Spanish. I respect Serbian basketball a lot, but I don't like the country much. I think the future of BB is more like Spanish basketball, uptempo.

                        Traore has it BTW. His facilitation and going down hill is special.
                        Spain is still no one no doubt about it. Yet, they dont have Jokic. Serbian basketball will be better in the next decade.

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          After watching best and strongest olympics ever in LTU NT have no chance go for medal anytime soon.

                          Making top 8 1/4 thats should be our realistic goal.


                          We saw those 2 elite 18old tallents let ltu youth team to loosing record 3-4 playing other 18 old kids

                          Just imagine what they will do at 22old put infront elite nba guards in olympic stage in 2028

                          Comment


                          • #28
                            Originally posted by Shawshank View Post
                            After watching best and strongest olympics ever in LTU NT have no chance go for medal anytime soon.

                            Making top 8 1/4 thats should be our realistic goal.


                            We saw those 2 elite 18old tallents let ltu youth team to loosing record 3-4 playing other 18 old kids

                            Just imagine what they will do at 22old put infront elite nba guards in olympic stage in 2028
                            Well I remember Franz Wagner also not being great in a U18 tournament. Then he exploded in the NCAA but this happens not very often. You should naturalize for the next cycle.

                            Comment


                            • #29
                              Yes lets take Wemby or Wagner or some other super star examples and ignore other 90% what happens with 21-22 age players in olympic summer.

                              I saw in 2024 olympic summer how other 2 youth teams leaders 22old Tubelis and 24old Sirvydis performed and ended up being 10-12th players.


                              So horoscope prediction in 2028 ltu will have not 1 but 2 guards at 22 old age that will take starting 5 guards roles in desicion making positions and play vs best nba guards in olympics im sorry i dont believe in such nonsense

                              Comment


                              • #30
                                One redneck will be ignored from now on.

                                Turoku, please go to your own forum with naturalization suggestions, please. Thank you
                                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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