Sarunas Jasikevicius on coaching in the NBA: ‘Why not?’ / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Alfonso Canavacciuolo/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Alfonso Canavacciuolo/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Sarunas Jasikevicius is one of the brightest coaches in Europe. After a successful journey with his beloved Zalgiris Kaunas, he landed in Barcelona last year. In his first season as FC Barcelona'shead coach, he won two titles.

FC Barcelona / Schedule

UNIKS Kazan FC Barcelona70-64 FC Barcelona LDLC ASVEL VilleurbanneThu20:00

The Lithuanian mastermind talked deeply with DAZN in another episode of "The Coaching Experience". He spoke about Nikola Mirotic, lessons from Zeljko Obradovic, and a possible future in the NBA.

Jasikevicius highlighted the importance of managing the group and adapting to each other from both sides, players, and staff.

"It's a mutual commitment. Players have to adapt to my philosophy, but then I cannot ask them for things that are not in their skills or they are not used to doing", he said.

The 45-year-old coach insisted that he try to take advantage of his players' strengths.

"I like my players more than the new basketball idea. If you have Mirotic or Brandon Davies, you have to use them where they feel more comfortable. I have great players in the low post. Let's find them!" added Saras.

If we look at the statistics, Nikola Mirotic is undoubtedly the team leader. He is currently the best scorer in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague 2021-22, averaging 17.8 points per game.

"He is good from the three-point line, but he can also be a weapon in the paint. We are looking for him in different situations, so he could choose his direction. This is a plus for a coach", Jasikevicius praised the power forward.

Jasikevicius is well-known for his winning mentality. He admits it comes by being focused 100% on the court.

"You have to create some habits, which is the most important thing. This is what we're trying to do here, especially from day one, creating good habits. When we enter the court, we have to spend an hour and a half like soldiers," Saras said.

Free throws this season

83%15,3Points made:15,3Accuracy:83,2%Place in standings:1Record max:42Record min:4Most made FTs:Nikola MiroticTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Asked if Jasikevicius as a player would get on well with Jasikevicius as a coach, he had no doubts.

"Fine, sure. I would be pleased to have a Saras on my team. Probably we would not always agree with each other because both of us are too intelligent", he joked. "I am sure he would push me to be a better coach," he added.

He has always been compared with his colleague and friend Zeljko Obradovic. Both coaches have the same mentality and communicative skills. Jasikevicius revealed what he learned the most from the Serbian icon.

"How to manage a locker room. I learned a lot from him. Also, his ability to change throughout the years. He knows how to manage each of his rosters. Now he has to deal with younger players. He adapts well to any new situation".

Jasikevicius also talked about possible changes related to the length and width of the court.

"Half a meter in each corner. But if the court is going to change, the 3-point line must also change. I think people like threes a lot," he detailed.

Finally, regarding a possible future in the NBA as a coach, Jasikevicius was clear.

"Why not? I always say it does not matter where you work, the first thing is that you have to do it the right way. The key is to go with the same philosophy," he concluded.

Support BasketNews so we could make even better content.