By Rafal Juc
Zalgiris Kaunas reached last year title game of the Nike International Junior Tournament Finals. This year team based on six players, who won silver medals in previous edition, is again considered as one of the favourites. "We have only one goal: to win this qualification tournament", promises coach Tomas Masiulis. Team named as Zalgiris is actually represented in Nike International Junior Tournament by the most promising players born in Kaunas of 1994 generation. "Some of them play in second Zalgiris team, some in Arvydas Sabonis school, others in basketball school Tornado", explains Tomas Masiulis, who is a former Lithuanian famous player. He played in so strong clubs like Zalgiris, Prokom Trefl Sopot or Montepaschi Siena. "I started coaching not so long ago, two years ago I joined Sabonis school", says Masiulis, for who this year’s NIJT is the biggest challenge in career.
36-years old Masiulis is rather optimistic about shape of team, especially that six of his pupils played last year in the big final of NIJT 2011. The only problem can be with starting playmaker Lukas Lekavicius ('94), who due to injury has been out of practicing for whole last month. Although he showed from really good side during first day of NIJT: scored 5 points and dished out 6 assists, controlling really well game tempo.
"My group is really talented. I know that some of them can join first Zalgiris team, but only if they will keep practicing really hard", feels Masiulis, who in his basketball career was pretty close to reach triple-double in Euroleage game. Against Maccabi Tel Aviv he finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in 2005. Now in Masiulis’ team the most versatile player is Marius Grigonis ('94), who is considered also as top 1994 generation prospect. He already has showed his best in first game of NIJT. Went for 31 ranking with 18 points on 4/5 FG, five rebounds, two steals, two assists as well as two blocks. Listed at 6'6'', Grigonis is truly all-around player. He shows great 3-points shot with really fast release, but knows how to attack basket and scored after drives on contact too. In addition, he has got well-built body, is really strong, but it do not disturb him to run court very well. Playing really aggressive he uses many fakes, can change direction of dribbling very fast and his first quick is dynamic. Worth to admit that Grigonis posses needed leadership, can take responsibility of score on his shoulders, but is not forcing individual actions. To playing as a playmaker in future allow him not only great ball-handling, but also high basketball IQ and excellent court vision.
"Grigonis is a really talented player. He can play in every position actually. I can use him as a point guard, shooter, forward and sometimes as a center. Big future is ahead him. We want to use him in future mainly as a playmaker. He is high, but has got nice ball-handling, so will be dangerous for opponents", thinks Masiulis. Comparing Zalgiris to opponents at this tournament it is easy to observe that team from Kaunas has got rather not high team. "That is right. I don’t have a typical center. But what can I do with it? Nothing. So I just try to use my players as best as I can. We have many talented guards, so we try to play up-tempo and finish after fast breaks", explains head coach of Zalgiris.
But lithuanian has got a brilliant answer to bigger or stronger rivals. They impress with excellent and really aggressive defense on all-court. To be honest, Zalgiris did not need use it in first game against Vaerlose, because they took a control under the game early. So do they in the last game of first day, playing with Topsportschool. In first five minutes Belgians were so confused and afraid of Zalgiris’ pressing, that they were not able to play normal action. Up-tempo basketball, aggressive pressing and fighting on offensive board for all balls. Zalgiris is on the best way to win Nike International Junior Tournament qualifications.
Just in case coach Masiulis has got one more joker in a pocket. His name is Tomas Dimsa ('94). Great athlete with motor, knows how to attack basket. Typical shlasher, who is unstoppable with ball in hands in corners. Just quick fake-shot, couple of long dribbles and dunk. It is method how Dimsa plays. Even without too efficient 3-point shot, he is game changer at this level. "He is fighter with great abilities to play basketball at highest level, maybe in NBA. But have to put some kilos and improve shoot", say scouts residing in Kaunas Arena.
Even if Zalgiris will not take a ticket to Istanbul for finals of NIJT, it is worth to follow future of Marius Grigonis and Tomas Dimsa. With both in roster team from Kaunas plays just typical basketball for Lithuanians and entertain fans in Zalgiris Arena. Will it be a key to first place?
Twitter of author: @rafjuc
Photo: www.ve.lt
