Lithuania Names 19-Man Strong Preliminary Squad

With the goal of earning a ticket to the 2012 London Olympics, Lithuania released a strong and experienced preliminary squad.

Lithuania head coach Kestutis Kemzura named a 19-man preliminary squad, which is a mixture of veteran players and young standouts, who are also ready to show their stuffs.

Sarunas Jasikevicius, who has been one of the key figures for Lithuania for the past decade, was included in the preliminary roster. The 36-year-old guard is looking to play in the Olympics for the fourth-straight time although he remains doubtful depending on his physical condition.

“Sarunas is ready to come and help the team,” said Kemzura. “I didn’t need to persuade him. I just told him that he would be useful and Sarunas understands that it is his last chance to get into the Olympics. His only doubt was whether his body could take the strain.”

NBA veterans Linas Kleiza and Darius Songaila were also included in the squad along with national team standouts like Tomas Delininkaitis, Simas Jasaitis, Robert Javtokas, Mantas Kalnietis, Rimantas Kaukenas, Jonas Maciulis, Martynas Pocius, and Renaldas Seibutus.

NBA draftees Jonas Valanciunas and Donatas Motiejunas also earned a slot in the preliminary roster, but Motiejunas stint remains doubtful due to possible contract conflicts once he negotiates with the Houston Rockets on July.

“I spoke a lot with Donatas, he really wants to play, but hasn’t signed a contract yet,” Kemzura said on Motiejunas. “He would be risking his NBA contract in case of an injury. He told me that he could only come on 2 July, but that would literally be the day before the Olympic Qualifying Tournament starts.”

Lithuania is one of the favorites to earn an Olympic slot through the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on July.

Lithuania Preliminary Squad for 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament

• Tomas Delininkaitis
• Deividas Dulkys
• Paulius Jankunas
• Simas Jasaitis
• Sarunas Jasikevicius
• Robertas Javtokas
• Adas Juskevicius
• Mantas Kalnietis
• Rimantas Kaukenas
• Antanas Kavaliauskas
• Linas Kleiza
• Tadas Klimavicius
• Mindaugas Kuzminskas
• Jonas Maciulis
• Donatas Motiejunas
• Martynas Pocius
• Renaldas Seibutis
• Darius Songaila
• Jonas Valanciunas