By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The senior national team of Lithuania has finalized a 15-player roster for the crucial FIBA window in July to resume action in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
Confirming earlier projections, headlining the squad is a potent trio of NBA talent, featuring veteran Jonas Valanciunas of the Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, and Miami Heat guard Kasparas Jakucionis. Their presence injection provides substantial star power to a team eager to solidify its position in the path toward Qatar.
However, the selections presented by the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, LKL, during a press conference on Friday, are equally defined by a glaring omission from the initial candidate pool. Sacramento Kings star center Domantas Sabonis will not participate in this summer stretch, leaving the frontline responsibilities to Valanciunas and supporting bigs Marek Blazevic and Regimantas Miniotas.
To offset this absence, Lithuania is banking on elite continental experience. The roster integrates EuroLeague standouts from Zalgiris Kaunas, including Ignas Brazdeikis, Dovydas Giedraitis, and Azuolas Tubelis, alongside Kosner Baskonia forward Gytis Radzevicius. The backcourt depth is further reinforced by Arnas Velicka, Augustas Marciulionis, Margiris Normantas, Ignas Sargiunas, and Matas Jogelas, while Donatas Tarolis adds reliable depth at power forward.
Sitting second in Group D with a balanced 2-2 record, the Baltic giants are currently deadlocked with Iceland. Lithuania will host Great Britain in Klaipeda on July 2 before traveling to Bologna for a heavyweight clash against group leaders Italy on July 5. The primary objective remains a top-three finish, ensuring safe passage into the secondary qualifying round where ticket distribution for Qatar will ultimately be decided.
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