FIBA EuroBasket 2017 trophy returns to sight of the 2011 Final

KAUNAS (FIBA EuroBasket 2017 Trophy Tour) - The FIBA EuroBasket Trophy Tour visited Kaunas at the weekend, the city which played host to the 2011 Final, when it was Spain leaving town with the trophy.

The storied Lithuanian basketball city has been home to any number of significant basketball events, with the Trophy Tour adding to Kaunas' legacy as Lithuania's basketball capital.

The visit of the Nikolai Semashko Trophy took place in conjunction with the Ramunas Siskauskas Basketball Tournament. The Lithuanian legend has lent his name to an U15 international boys and girls tournament, with four teams competing in each gender.

Hosts Lithuania savored the hometown environment, winning out in both the men's and women's competitions.

Lithuania Basketball Federation Secretary General Mindaugas Spokas was excited to have the trophy back in Lithuania.

"At first, I think it's a legacy. The kids can feel the atmosphere and the reason why the teams are fighting. It's an honor to have the trophy here. Basically, it is a good idea and I like it. The last tour was also excellently organized and everybody loved it."

Spokas was cautiously optimistic looking ahead to August and September.

"I think 24 teams have the same goal, to make it to the final stage. Firstly, we must go with the first step, to collect the team, because we only begin preparation on July 21. It depends on who comes. The second step is to move from group games. It's the main thing and we have a tough group. All groups are tough and the teams are pretty equal."

The Trophy Tour will next make a stop at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Nantes, France on June 21.

FIBA