By Stefan Djordjevic/ info@eurohoops.net
Neptunas Klaipeda is playing some great basketball this year as they stand on a 5-1 record in the Basketball Champions League. They are one of the most efficient teams in the competition, as well as one of the best defensive teams. Arnas Butkevicius, Champions League’s Gameday 6 MVP, spoke to Eurohoops after the win against PAOK a few days prior.
“We started the season pretty good in both leagues, BCL and LKL, but I think, that we also have plenty room to improve, especially when we are playing on the road. It’s hard to say something about goals, we just like to stay quiet and let the result speak for us”, Butkevicius comments.
The Lithuanian squad scored the most points in the single game (114) this season against Gaziantep. When they are on the roll it is hard to keep up with them…
“Everything starts from good defense, if we are playing aggressively we are forcing our opponents to take bad shots or make turnovers, that leads to fast-breaks and easy points. Of course, we also have great shooters on the team and if their day comes it’s pretty hard to stop them.”, he explains.
An interesting fact is that Butkevicus is born in Klaipeda and it is very special for him to play in front of the locals.
“I need to say, that I am very happy and blessed to have the opportunity to play in my hometown, in front of my parents, friends, and fans. That’s the feeling, not every basketball player can feel in his whole career. What makes it more special, that in Klaipeda people are crazy about basketball, and the atmosphere that they are creating in the game is just crazy, they give you more energy and emotions, so you really can enjoy the game.”
The next two weeks are reserved for National Teams and Butkevicus is called up to play for Lithuania, a dream coming true for him as he declares:
“I am very excited to play for the national team, that’s basically every Lithuanian player’s dream, it is a big honor and huge responsibility too. I can’t wait to put those jerseys with Lietuva name on and give my best to the team.”
When it comes to the future, Butkevicus strays humble about it.
“Looking forward to the future, I just want to stay healthy and keep doing my best, keep playing and having fun, that’s the only thing I want.”