Draw for the FIBA World Cup [Manila, Philippines, Apr 29]

[Giannis34GOD]

FOA, Frank Lubin, is Pranas Lubinas. Both of his parents are pure Lithuanians. Just as in case of Brazdeikis, Buzelis and Indrusaitis (all will play for NT, IMO). In other words, Lubinas was the guy who born from 2 pure Lithuanians, just not in Lithuania, but abroad.

The same with Iggy Brazdeikis. He naturalized only because he played for Canada U16 and U17. But his general dream was always to play for Lithuania. Both of his parents are pure Liths and they as family used to watch LTU NT games in the states. So, how can you compare such cases when Lithuanian emigrants are playing for their national team with cases when random Americans represent random countries? It's has no connection literally. Even if there was no naturalization rule, Iggy would have chances to represent Lithuania. Our federation was saying that there were few ways to sort this out as he is obviously Lithuanian.

Buzelis and Indrusaitis won't need anything to represent Lithuania, no naturalization needed. They are Lithuanians with passports and never represented other countries (the only reason why Brazdeikis is "naturalized"). Buzelis chose LTU instead of USA. So all emigrant studs in Brazdeikis, Buzelis, Indrusaitis will be able to play in one LTU team.

Yeah... That is different, I would like to have naturalized players who atleast have slightly connection to the country (In case of Dorsey of Greece or Clarkson of Philippines and JTA of Mexico) rather than getting random American player who will be naturalized via back door... Those guys are only mercenaries.. they don't even know where those countries that they played for, Just like Mike Tobey of Slovenia... But FIBA knows why they applied this, To give smaller countries a chance to be competitive atleast.... Just in case of North Macedonia before with Bob McCaleeb and Slaughter of Poland...

[Straight forward]

Ahhh, OK... It just an April fools joke.... But i think Lithuanian federation will think that scenario too (maybe in the future)... Lithuania needs striker that who can score especially if Sabonis will be trapped by the defense of other teams... All four semifinalist of last Eurobasket have very good guard (a Combo guard) that can create for his teammates, aside that they can score too if they needed (Talking about Slaughter/Poland, Schroder/Germany, Brown/Spain and Huertel/De Colo France)....Chances of Lithuania to get back on track as basketball powerhouse will be higher if they will tap Evans... Although i know most of Lithuanians doesn't like that move, But who knows?

ATM it's impossible. After 10 years, who knows. But knowing how deep bball traditions in the country, it's highly unlikely. We have a good boost of Lithuanian emigrants coming (specially Buzelis off course if he pans out as expected). And even good wave of local Lithuanian prospects. Weaker perimeter is temporary problem, I will dear to claim.

[Giannis34GOD]

ATM it's impossible. After 10 years, who knows. But knowing how deep bball traditions in the country, it's highly unlikely. We have a good boost of Lithuanian emigrants coming (specially Buzelis off course if he pans out as expected). And even good wave of local Lithuanian prospects. Weaker perimeter is temporary problem, I will dear to claim.

Also we all know Sabonis will not always available for Lithuania, especially he has a good season in the NBA today... He will likely ask for multi million contract to secure his future career... Just like the big 3 of European basketball (Jokic, Giannis and Luka), He will have a hard time focusing two teams in a same time... And we all know NBA teams are notorious to deny most of international players to participate for their national teams to protect their interest for their ballclubs... Lithuania should have plan B in case Sabonis will be not available in future international competitions...

[Giannis34GOD]

Actually, I will accept this move of China to hire naturalized a guy that atleast have atleast 1/8 Chinese blood than nothing... CBA and Yao in talks already and Kyle Anderson of Minnesota will likely accept this naturalization spot for China... Getting players that has no blood at all to his country that played for is dumbest move, especially if they have a basketball tradition back then.. Actually i don't like also Joel Embiid's move to transfer nationality to either France or USA... Those countries doesn't need Embiid, especially both have deep talents... Why Embiid doesn't like to play to his home country Cameroon?


News about Kyle Anderson / China naturalized move....

https://www.sohu.com/a/664437530_120723523?scm=1102.xchannel:1479:110036.0.3.0~9010.68.0.0.0&spm=smpc.content-abroad.fd-d.16.1680964705085iMk5t1n&_f=index_pagerecom_19

[Straight forward]

Also we all know Sabonis will not always available for Lithuania, especially he has a good season in the NBA today... He will likely ask for multi million contract to secure his future career... Just like the big 3 of European basketball (Jokic, Giannis and Luka), He will have a hard time focusing two teams in a same time... And we all know NBA teams are notorious to deny most of international players to participate for their national teams to protect their interest for their ballclubs... Lithuania should have plan B in case Sabonis will be not available in future international competitions...

I think Sabonis is a bit patriot of NT. He's like Luka, Dirk and such. Giannis and Jokic don't have such dedication to NT. So I don't see this changing unless some serious injuries. Actually he currently playing with broken finger, but even with that he's planning to represent Lithuania. I kinda expect him being completely loyal. Besides, we have "baby Sabonis" in Tubelis as some call him. In few years Tubelis will be legitimate piece at 5.

Actually, I will accept this move of China to hire naturalized a guy that atleast have atleast 1/8 Chinese blood than nothing... CBA and Yao in talks already and Kyle Anderson of Minnesota will likely accept this naturalization spot for China... Getting players that has no blood at all to his country that played for is dumbest move, especially if they have a basketball tradition back then.. Actually i don't like also Joel Embiid's move to transfer nationality to either France or USA... Those countries doesn't need Embiid, especially both have deep talents... Why Embiid doesn't like to play to his home country Cameroon?


News about Kyle Anderson / China naturalized move....

https://www.sohu.com/a/664437530_120723523?scm=1102.xchannel:1479:110036. 0.3.0~9010.68.0.0.0&spm=smpc.content-abroad.fd-d.16.1680964705085iMk5t1n&_f=index_pagerecom_19

This.

[Ridirkulous]

I think Sabonis is a bit patriot of NT. He's like Luka, Dirk and such. Giannis and Jokic don't have such dedication to NT. So I don't see this changing unless some serious injuries. Actually he currently playing with broken finger, but even with that he's planning to represent Lithuania. I kinda expect him being completely loyal. Besides, we have "baby Sabonis" in Tubelis as some call him. In few years Tubelis will be legitimate piece at 5.



This.

Kyle Anderson has the same amount of Chinese blood as Austin Reaves and Nick Weiler-Babb have German blood. Just for completeness...

[Straight forward]

Kyle Anderson has the same amount of Chinese blood as Austin Reaves and Nick Weiler-Babb have German blood. Just for completeness...

I mean, I have less problems with players who at least have some connection with country...Like Larkin for Turkey sucks, but it doesn't suck as badly and ridiculously as random Brown for Spain or Tobey for Slovenia.

BTW, speaking about Germany, Simas Lukosius is interesting case. His pops Lithuanian coach and mother is from Germany. He announced that he's going to choose Germany, but some fans and our federation still hope to change his mind. Now that is something new. Cause guys like Lubinas, Brazdeikis, Buzelis, Indrusaitis are 100% Lithuanians per blood, but Simas Lukosius is 50% Lithuanian and 50% German, but Lithuanians wanted him to represent NT.

[Ridirkulous]

I mean, I have less problems with players who at least have some connection with country...Like Larkin for Turkey sucks, but it doesn't suck as badly and ridiculously as random Brown for Spain or Tobey for Slovenia.

BTW, speaking about Germany, Simas Lukosius is interesting case. His pops Lithuanian coach and mother is from Germany. He announced that he's going to choose Germany, but some fans and our federation still hope to change his mind. Now that is something new. Cause guys like Lubinas, Brazdeikis, Buzelis, Indrusaitis are 100% Lithuanians per blood, but Simas Lukosius is 50% Lithuanian and 50% German, but Lithuanians wanted him to represent NT.

I am well aware of Simas Lukosius. He played for Germany in the under 18 or 20 if I remember correctly already, so if he ever switches back to Lithuania he is going to be a naturalised. Does not seem at the moment he is on the right trajectory to earn the spot ahead of Brazdeikis.

[Straight forward]

I am well aware of Simas Lukosius. He played for Germany in the under 18 or 20 if I remember correctly already, so if he ever switches back to Lithuania he is going to be a naturalised. Does not seem at the moment he is on the right trajectory to earn the spot ahead of Brazdeikis.

Nope, he only played for Bayern Munich U18 in ANGT. He didn't play in FIBA tournament. I think he planned to play for German U20 NT, but somehow he didn't. So I think he still has completely open path to choose either Germany or Lithuania. In media there was long interview with his father and most fans got an impression that this decision is more about his father and not Simas. His dad has some resentment towards Lithuanian bball federation. Simas had extremely promising second year in NCAA. I think he's gonna be very nice player.

[Ridirkulous]

Nope, he only played for Bayern Munich U18 in ANGT. He didn't play in FIBA tournament. I think he planned to play for German U20 NT, but somehow he didn't. So I think he still has completely open path to choose either Germany or Lithuania. In media there was long interview with his father and most fans got an impression that this decision is more about his father and not Simas. His dad has some resentment towards Lithuanian bball federation. Simas had extremely promising second year in NCAA. I think he's gonna be very nice player.

https://twitter.com/CBB_Europe/status/1531535538800447488

Even if he did not play, he has been registered at FIBA level with Germany (proof: https://www.fiba.basketball/en/playe...monas-Lukosius). He is locked, sorry :P

(I therefore hope you are right and he becomes a good guard). After Paul Zipser's brain surgery and Kostja Mushidi's off court problems we are forced to naturalise guards to cover that spot adequately and it's a pity.

Speaking of Mushidi with a Lithuanian, I remember a heartbreaking under 18 semifinal in which he scored 33 but Arnas Velicka turned into MJ in the final 5 minutes and killed us.

https://www.fiba.basketball/europe/u18/2016/2112/Germany-Lithuania

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0r_T3dVQdM

Tadas Sedekerskis always seemed a bust to me, but I had high expectations from Arnoldas Kulboka after seeing him develop in Bamberg, what happened to that guy?

[Toruko]

Damn, Justus Hollatz seems to develop in Spain. It forces me to start respecting the German team.

[LuDux]

Dude you have to cut this crap a bit. I think Frank Lubin won gold with the US team before representing Lithuania. Two of the three titles you have in your resume have been achieved with a full line-up of players born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Frank Lubin fled your country back to his native California when WWII broke out and continued playing basketball there. So did the others.

Yeah but Jogaila played for Poland so it evens out

[Ridirkulous]

Damn, Justus Hollatz seems to develop in Spain. It forces me to start respecting the German team.

Hehe, I am hyped like never before indeed about our NT, not even the Dirk days had me this hyped.

Straight forward speaking of Dirk, Lukosius wears number 41 :P

[LuDux]

Tadas Sedekerskis always seemed a bust to me, but I had high expectations from Arnoldas Kulboka after seeing him develop in Bamberg, what happened to that guy?

Spent season in G League/NBA, played (horribly) in friendly NT game in summer, twice player of the week in Eurocup this season

[Straight forward]

Even if he did not play, he has been registered at FIBA level with Germany (proof: https://www.fiba.basketball/en/playe...monas-Lukosius). He is locked, sorry :P

Does registration is as legit and decisive as actual participation?

I call Lokosius Lithuanian Doncic. He's really big and heavy guard who can do it all on the court, including fancy, nearly magical passes. Even if he will choose Germany he is more Lithuanian culturally as he spent his time playing in Vilnius bball school, was born in Kaunas, got Lithuanian names, spent most of his time in Lithuania, traveled with his Lithuanian dad, a coach. I think Germany will get a good piece if that's the destiny (luckily for Lithuania position 2 is stacked with prospects - Brazdeikis, Rubstavicius, D. Giedraitis, Lelevicius, Indrusaitis):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50gUSAXVsNw&ab_channel=CollegeBasketballSc outing