By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Before facing Zalgiris in the Citadele KMT Quarterfinals, Wolves announced the decision to move on from head coach Kestutis Kemzura.
The Kaunas native was appointed as the new head coach last March, toward the end of the team’s first season in the top-tier division of Lithuania. A couple of months short of one year into the stint, his contract was terminated upon mutual agreement.
Kemzura’s efforts in the 2023-24 campaign resulted in a 5-10 record in the BKT EuroCup, well short of punching in a ticket to the Playoffs. Domestically, a 12-5 tally is tied for third in the Betsafe LKL standings, besides heading to the return game of the King Mindaugas Cup in Zalgirio Arena with a home loss by a margin of 19 points.
His assistant Nedas Pacevicius immediately took over head-coaching duties, guiding the team based in Vilnius against Zalgiris. An 82-82 tie completed the home-and-away series, sending Andrea Trinchieri’s side to the next round. The remaining teams advancing to the Final Four were 7bet-Lietkabelis, Rytas, and Siauliai.
Standing out for the winning side, Kevarrius Hayes, Laurynas Birutis, and Keenan Evans shared a team-high 14 points. For the Wolves, Jeffery Taylor recorded a game-high 21 points.
Up next for Zalgiris is a visit to Pieno Zvaigzdes on Tuesday, before the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 23 challenge opposite Partizan Mozzart Bet in Belgrade on Friday. Wolves take on Umana Reyer Venice in Round 16 of the EuroCup on Wednesday.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net