By Marti Artigas

 

Spain is the current U20 Division "A" European Championship and one of the favorite teams to win the gold again in Slovenia. But yesterday they showed their worst face after losing by 22 points against Lithuania (82-60). Baltic team has not Jonas Valanciunas ('92) in the roster, but they have enough arguments after winning the U19 World Championship last summer. And small-forward Edgaras Ulanovas ('92) became a storm for team coached by Luis Guil after finishing with 28 points (6/9 twos, 4/4 threes and 4/6 free throws), adding 6 rebounds and 2 steals. He is currently the fifth best event's scorer (16.8) behind Larentzakis (19.8), Omic (17.8), Eriksson (17.5) and Pustovyi (17.3). Eurohopes talked with him after his show. 

 

-You started the second round with a clear victory over Spain, the current champion. Can you valorate your game?
it was our best game in the tournament. In defense also after receiving only 60 points. That was the key. I just want to say thanks to my teammates, who pass me the ball when I was opened.

 

-This lithuanian generation ('92) won the gold medal of the U19 WC with Valanciunas. He is not here now. What is your goal as a team?
Without Jonas we have problems in defense. He can block shots, take all rebounds,... So it's harder, but we are trying to improve. Our goal is maximum, but it will be wery hard. We are in a bad position but if we play like a team we can make big things.

 

-How do you see the rest of the teams in the tournament? Your favorites?
We played against Slovenia. They are a good team, playing like a group. They have many fans and they can go far. But the favorite teams, Serbia and France.

 

-This season you played in Baltai (LKL). How can you define your performance this last year? Where will you play now?
It has been my first season in first lithuanian league, so I'm pretty happy. I've gained much experience, with some good games. I will try to improve more next year more. Now I don't know where I will play. I have contract with Zalgiris so maybe they will loan me to other team, or maybe they want me to stay.

 

-You also participated in the Eurocamp of Treviso. How was the experience?
Was a good camp, with many talented players. Very good coaches and a lot of experience.

 

Twitter of the author: @marti_artigas

 

Photo: FIBA Europe / Castoria / Marchi