By Vaggelis Pattas/ info@eurohoops.net
For one more season Zalgiris will seek to escape mediocrity but with the new system of conducting the Euroleague things are looking extremely difficult.
The team from Kaunas, however, is capable of causing damage and playing the role of adjuster in the battle of qualification for the playoffs, as was the case last year with their wins over Olympiacos and Bamberg in the Top 16. Generally speaking, their season last year had many ups and downs although it may be considered special as Sarunas Jasikevicius became head coach, replacing Gintaras Krapikas shortly after the beginning of the second stage.
Signings
They didn’t make any impressive moves but essentially tried to fill the gaps of those who left with players of equal value. Lima’s acquisition in the form of a loan from Real stands out, as does Kevin Pangos’s, who may prove to be first-rate along the perimeter. The Brazilian center, together with Kavaliauskas, is going to fill the gap of Ian Vougioukas. The experienced Arturas Milaknis has also returned.
Coach
Last season Sarunas Jasikevicius showed good elements as head coach. “Saras” stayed in Kaunas because of ACB legislation that didn’t allow him to take over Barcelona. A lot will be seen in regards to his abilities in his first “full” season, in which he was also responsible for building the roster.
They will be satisfied if…
… they manage to stay close to top eight and play for the miracle of their presence in the playoffs. Their mission seems especially difficult and they are going to have to surpass themselves to even get in the top 10, but it is almost a given that they are going to do some damage to the “big” teams.
We are anxiously waiting to see…
… Sarunas Jasikevicius in his first “full” season as head coach. “Saras” will have at his disposal a youthful and talented roster to manage but at the same time of limited capacities to go the extra mile. In any case, the Lithuanian showed promising signs last year and this season looks like a major challenge for him.