Jasikevicius ahead Zalgiris' game: 'It's a special day for Lithuania' / News - Basketnews.com

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FC Barcelona (18-4) will face Zalgiris Kaunas (6-16) in the Round 29 of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague on Friday. The Blaugranas will look to keep up their momentum in Europe, where they do not lose since January 20th at Kazan.

Points this season

49%83,0Points made:83,0Accuracy:49,3%Place in standings:2Record max:111Record min:64Best scorer:Nikola MiroticTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

It will be a special day for Sarunas Jasikevicius, all his staff, and Rokas Jokubaitis. The Lithuanian crew is excited to play in their own country, especially after the beginning of Ukraine's invasion.

Jasikevicius attended the pre-game conference to talk about which kind of game he expects.

"It's going to be a tough game like all of them are on the road in the EuroLeague. But it's a special day in Lithuania, the Independence Day, so we will need to be prepared to face an emotional team and fans," began the Baltic mastermind.

"It will be for me as well," he continued. "I do not know if it's by chance or someone has done his job in the office," he added.

Jasikevicius won eight titles as Zalgiris' head coach and reached the Final Four for the first time since 1999.

Zalgiris will wear special uniforms on Friday, and Barcelona's players won't have their names on the shirt. There will be a "no war" message.

"As we talked about before, people in Lithuania are following the conflict closely. All of us are worried. I am sure people will come to support Ukraine tomorrow," admitted Jasikevicius.

The 46-year-old coach analyzed Zalgiris' performances overall.

"They have improved their level. They have recovered important players from injuries. Strelnieks, Lekavicius, and Cavanaugh are in good shape all season. It is not a dangerous team, it is a really good team."

Asked about Real Madrid's bad stretch, Jasikevicius downplayed the statistics.

"Some teams have up and downs. Perhaps now it's Madrid's time, but I still think they will be there at the end of the season," he concluded.

Rokas Jokubaitis will come back to Kaunas after he signed with Barca in the summer.

"A lot of emotions in the arena, sure. Family, friends, Zalgiris team... It will be an interesting game. I am looking forward to it," revealed the youngster.

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