Ignas Brazdeikis on joining Zalgiris: 'You never know' / News - Basketnews.com

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After recent years of talks and ongoing paperwork, Ignas Brazdeikis finally joined the Lithuanian national team.

3-pointers this season

36%8,5Points made:8,5Accuracy:35,8%Place in standings:2Record max:11Record min:6Most made 3FGs:Osvaldas OlisevičiusTeamFIBA WC QStatisticsSchedule

The Orlando Magic forward was born in Kaunas but spent most of his life in Canada, so it took almost two years for the Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LKF) to sort out the bureaucratic details behind his transfer that allowed him to play for Lithuania.

Brazdeikis had already played for Canada in the 2015 FIBA Under-16 Americas Championship and 2016 Under-17 FIBA World Cup for Canada, hence, not only a change in citizenship but also a FIBA grant was needed.

Now he arrived in Kaunas and took part in the press conference before the upcoming Lithuania training camp for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers window.

"Maybe it will be easier to answer in English," Brazdeikis began his statement in Lithuanian. "It's a blessing. When growing up, I always wanted to play for Lithuania. I watched how the national team has been playing [and I'm] truly blessed to take this opportunity to learn more about the culture, listen and better speak in Lithuanian. I'm very excited."

Brazdeikis also named a few well-known Lithuanian basketball legends, proving his bond with his birth country and its basketball.

"[I wanted to join the national team] a lot. I've been dreaming about it for a very long time since watching such legendary players like Linas Kleiza, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Mantas Kalnietis. I could name many, many more. To get such an opportunity with these guys is very exciting," Brazdeikis admitted.

It will be the first European basketball experience for the 23-year-old as grew up overseas, playing in NCAA and NBA after being drafted with the 47th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Despite that, Brazdeikis is up for a challenge.

"I wouldn't say I'm afraid. We have the coaching staff and the players, I'm going to learn and take every advice I can. At the end of the day, it's basketball, and I am just going to help in every way possible to help this team win," Brazdeikis continued.

In the 2021-22 season with the Magic, Brazdeikis averaged 12 minutes, 5.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 42 games. He told that his goal is to remain in the NBA.

"I want to play in the NBA. That's the place I feel I belong. To play for Lithuania is going to be something I will treasure forever," Brazdeikis said.

However, he also didn't rule the opportunity of joining Zalgiris Kaunas.

"Not sure, we'll see. You never know," Brazdeikis concluded.

Brazdeikis will make his Lithuanian national debut next week, when Lithuania will play two friendly games against Latvia on June 22 (in Riga) and June 26 (in Siauliai, Lithuania).

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