By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
US citizens have been called back to return to their country or prepare to stay abroad indefinitely, and Zalgiris Kaunas confirmed that their players are leaving the Baltic country.
According to the press release:
As the US Department of State announced their travel recommendations for Americans on Thursday, the foreigners playing in Zalgiris reacted to the news.
All Americans are recommended to return to their motherland, therefore Thomas Walkup, Zach LeDay, K.C. Rivers and Nigel Hayes all decided to leave Lithuania for the USA.
Last Friday, EuroLeague announced suspending the tournament indefinitely, while the board of the Lithuanian Basketball League took the decision to outright end the championship. Zalgiris decided to allow their players and coaches to leave the team indefinitely until the situation is taken under control.
Jock Landale took the opportunity to return to Australia immediately, while Martinas Geben decided to leave to the US, where his wife lives.
EuroLeague president Jordi Bertomeu sent out a letter stating that the tournament would be continued no earlier than the 11th of April, but it’s highly likely that the date will be pushed back even further.
Meanwhile, Payton Siva of ALBA Berlin confirmed via social media that he has already returned to the States. Also, players from Milan, Olympiacos, ASVEL, and Maccabi have been permitted to leave Europe. Panathinaikos coach Rick Pitino and star Jimmer Fredette left last week. More EuroLeague clubs are also expected to permit their US players to leave the old continent.