National team career coming full circle for new Lithuania captain Lavrinovic

PALANGA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - The national team career of Ksistof Lavrinovic is coming full circle.

Having made his debut for Lithuania in the FIBA EuroBasket 2003 Qualifiers, the 38-year-old veteran is back for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers.

There was little hesitation when the power forward received a call from Lithuania head coach Dainius Adomaitis to inquire about the possibility of seeing Lavrinovic in the national team again for the games against Kosovo and Poland.

It is not a well-known fact that Lavrinovic earned his first international cap in similar Qualifiers for the FIBA EuroBasket 2003, appearing in the lone home game against Ukraine, scoring 3 points in 7 minutes of action in a 109-98 win for the Lithuanian side that went on to become European champions in the Final Round.

"I remember that game very, very well," Ksistof went down memory lane. "I even remember how I scored my first points. I think we played in the Kaunas Sports Hall and I recall playing in almost a fog."

"It was very loud and I was obviously a bit lost then. After all, I was young and that was my first game in an atmosphere like that. It's very fun to look back at moments like that right now."

"BEING BACK IN THE NATIONAL TEAM IS A VERY PLEASANT FEELING. I'M VERY HAPPY TO BE STILL NEEDED AND BE ABLE TO HELP LITHUANIA." LavrinovicLavrinovic

Almost half of the up-and-coming players on Lithuania's roster will find themselves in situations similar to the one Lavrinovic himself went through 14 years ago, with six players looking to make their official national team debuts.

"Now I have a lot more experience. Having played in many important games has created a certain feeling of calmness," said the veteran, who has finished on all three steps of the podium at FIBA EuroBasket, including winning the one in 2003.

"When you're young, you really want to show yourself and that often keeps you from playing your best. Of course, there are players that have that mental strength and self-confidence, so a lot depends on the individual."

Lavrinovic last donned the green jersey with 'Lietuva' on the chest at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Spain, where Lithuania fell just short of the podium with a fourth-place finish.

"I was no longer expecting to wear the national team jersey after that tournament. But the situation evolved differently. I had a really good season last year and I think that's what prompted both the coach and myself to reconsider," the 6ft 11in (2.11m) big man explained.

"IT WOULD HAVE BEEN GREAT IF DARJUS HAD BEEN HERE AS WELL."  LavrinovicLavrinovic

Having teamed up with his twin brother Darjus for BC Lietkabelis in Panevezys, the veterans guided the little-known club to a second-place finish in the Lithuanian championship season.

"Being back in the national team is a very pleasant feeling. I'm very happy to be still needed and be able to help Lithuania," he smiled.

Lavrinovic returns with some extra duties, having been handed the captain badge for the first time in his international career by the other players in the locker room.

"It's a huge honor. On the one hand, it's heart-warming and I want to thank the guys for putting their trust in me. But at the same time, it's a lot of responsibility," the veteran acknowledged.

"I now have to set an example and get everyone together emotionally. You have to stay focused, keep an eye on the rest of the guys and communicate with the coaching staff."

Could the last go-around with the national team be scripted any better?

"It would have been great if Darjus had been here as well. We have given a lot for the national team, but that was always more of a theoretical possibility than a real one," Ksistof, older than his sibling by 10 minutes, elaborated thoughtfully before giggling and cracking out a joke, typical for both of the never-dull twins.

"If you gathered all these old men, you'd get just five minutes and that's it – the young guys are talented, the speed of the game is faster and you need players with stamina."

He then proceeded with the same seriousness as before.

"I'm glad that we (Darjus and he) at least have a chance to play together in Lietkabelis towards the tail end of our career. I think that's been our strength, that we motivate each other, and that's why we both still want to play basketball."

FIBA