Lithuanian Veteran Robertas Javtokas to Miss 2012 London Olympics

Lithuania qualified to the 2012 London Olympics, but they absorbed a huge blow to their campaign after losing veteran center Robertas Javtokas who sustained a foot injury.

Javtokas, who is one of the so-called glue guys and the team captain of the squad, was not in full strength during the 2012 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men and test revealed that the 32-year-old center has a stress fracture.

“I’m very sad, what more is there to say here,” said a devastated Javtokas. “We put a lot of effort to get to the Olympics and now I have to miss it.”

Lithuania coach Kestutis Kemzura admitted that losing a veteran presence like Javtokas will be a huge blow  to their campaign, but he believes that most of his players will be stepping up to fill the void left by the injured center.

“It’s an enormous loss,” Kemzura said. “It is hard to express how we’ll miss him, and not just on the court but off it. Now others will not only have to do their job.”

Antanas Kavaliauskas, who was the last man cut before the men’s Olympic qualifiers, will take Javtokas’ spot in the squad.

Lithuania was drawn in Group B along with USA, France, Argentina, Tunisia, and Nigeria.

Lithuania Men’s Basketball Roster for the 2012 London Olympics

• Sarunas Jasikevicius
• Mantas Kalnietis
• Renaldas Seibutis
• Martynas Pocius
• Rimantas Kaukėnas
• Linas Kleiza
• Simas Jasaitis
• Jonas Maciulis
• Paulius Jankunas
• Darius Songaila
• Jonas Valanciunas
• Antanas Kavaliauskas