Jonas Valanciunas confirms his presence in EuroBasket 2022 / News - Basketnews.com

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New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas shared his thoughts on Lithuanian national team head coach Kazys Maksvytis and the plans for the upcoming summer.

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Talking to Zilvaras Zinkevicius, the representative of TV3 Sport and Go3, Valanciunas confirmed that he will participate in the EuroBasket 2022 if nothing unexpected occurs.

"I plan to take part in the EuroBasket. If my health allows, there are no other problems in the country or in Europe, I will definitely be with the national team," the 29-year-old spoke.

JV also commented on the recently appointed Lithuanian NT bench boss Kazys Maksvytis, with whom he worked in youth basketball.

Together they won three gold medals in three major youth basketball competitions, involving the U-16 European Championship, U-18 European Championship, and U-19 World Cup.

According to Valanciunas, he found time to watch four victorious efforts in the World Cup Qualifiers, where his former coach Maksvytis stood at the helm of Lithuanian NT.

"I followed the competition closely. I had a chance to talk with both the coach and the players. I was interested in it and I am pleased that we have achieved four victories.

It is a big step for a coach, who has just started working. I know Kazys for a very long time, we spent every summer in the youth teams. I can only say good things about him. We hope the upcoming summer will be successful as well," Valanciunas finished.

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