With FIBA World Cup qualification on the line, the Lithuanian national basketball team is preparing for a critical series of games under the leadership of head coach Linas Kleiza, who took the helm in October 2024. [[1]] Kleiza, a former NBA player himself, is balancing roster challenges with club commitments and player injuries as he aims to return the team to international prominence. [[2]] The team boasts a mix of established NBA talent and emerging players as they navigate the qualification “windows” and look toward future medal contention.
Lithuania’s national basketball team faces crucial upcoming matches as it strives for qualification for the FIBA World Cup and a return to international medal contention. Securing these wins is paramount for the team’s continued success and future prospects.
“It always feels good to be with the national team. A new journey is beginning. These first steps are very important,” said Linas Kleiza, head of the Lithuanian national team. “Preparation for the FIBA ‘windows’ is unique. There isn’t much time, and clubs either want to or don’t want to release players. There’s definitely a struggle there. We want to play in the World Cup and are moving towards the goal of winning medals again. Everyone is fully focused because these two wins are simply essential to take.”
The following players will represent Lithuania in the first “window” of competition: Arnas Velička, Ignas Sargiūnas, Kristupas Žemaitis, Mantas Rubštavičius, Laurynas Beliauskas, Martynas Paliukėnas, Gytis Radzevičius, Paulius Danusevičius, Gytis Masiulis, Artūras Gudaitis, and Marekas Blaževičius.
Kleiza also indicated the possibility of adding players to the roster as needed. “We have pretty much what we wanted to have,” he said. “Of course, we’ve encountered injuries, and some players couldn’t come due to pain. But those who came are very eager and trying hard. I think more players will join who we need. But we already think we have enough good players. The ‘windows’ give players the opportunity to prove their worth and then be in the main national team lineup. We saw examples of that last year.”
Kleiza, a celebrated Lithuanian basketball player himself, also addressed the situation surrounding veteran Eimantas Bendžius. Bendžius was cut from the team last summer during final training before the European Championship.
“First of all, it was a very painful ‘cut.’ It was one of those things we missed at the European Championship,” Kleiza explained. “There were plans for him to be in this window, but it turned out he’s currently playing with an injury. Eimantas called and said he needs to get treatment.”
Kleiza also discussed the relationship between Lithuanian players in the NBA and their commitment to the national team. Lithuania is hoping to see participation from its NBA players in the two FIBA World Cup qualifying windows scheduled for the summer of 2026. Currently, Jonas Valančiūnas, Domantas Sabonis, and Matas Buzelis are playing in the NBA, while Kasparas Jakučionis and Augustas Marčiulionis are developing in the NBA G League.
“The relationship of these players with the Lithuanian national team is always good,” Kleiza stated. “We know Jonas and Domantas’s ties to Lithuania. Matas will also wear the national team jersey sooner or later, when the situation seems favorable to everyone. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves; our main focus is on the upcoming ‘window.’ After that, there will be a window in February, and we’ll see what the picture looks like.”
Kleiza had a successful career in the NBA, becoming the first Lithuanian basketball player to score over 40 points in a game. On January 17, 2008, while playing for the Denver Nuggets, he scored 41 points against the Utah Jazz.
Regarding Kasparas Jakučionis’s situation with the Miami Heat, Kleiza commented, “I think Kasparas will be a future star. He has a very good work ethic. It doesn’t matter when that chance comes – in a week, two, tomorrow, a month, or two months. The NBA is about being prepared for your chance and taking advantage of it. He’s in a very suitable system because Miami and Kasparas share the same values. Miami really knows how to develop players. It’s definitely not easy to be a guard in the NBA. Now he needs to take in all that experience. When he breaks out is just a matter of time. He’s in a good place, a good system, and I have no doubt that everything will be fine with him. This is just the beginning for Kasparas, but he will definitely be one of the legendary Lithuanian national team point guards.”
In September 2010, Kleiza and the Lithuanian national team won a bronze medal at the World Championship, with Kleiza named to the all-tournament team alongside stars like Kevin Durant, Miloš Teodosić, Hidayet Türkoğlu, and Luis Scola.
Kleiza assumed the role of head of the Lithuanian national team in October 2024. He expressed his enjoyment of the position, stating, “Last summer gave me great joy to be back with the Lithuanian national team and contribute with my experience. I like being among the players, the coaches, seeing how our players grow. There’s always a great atmosphere around the Lithuanian national team. Just what we saw in Riga – the relationship between the players and the fans is amazing. That allows me to return to the times when I played myself. That’s something special. I think I took more from the Lithuanian national team than I gave it. That’s a fact.”
Further insights from Kleiza can be found in the “Lithuanian Basketball Pulse” episode.
