In an exclusive interview with Basketball Sphere, Donatas Motiejunas talked about the upcoming FIBA World Cup.
We talked about the commitment to play for the national team, and Donatas Motiejunas also mentioned individuals who represent a true example for the younger generations. The topic of conversation was Nikola Jokic, but also Domantas Sabonis, a duo we will not see at the World Cup.
In addition, the Lithuanian basketball player explained the excellent approach of the coaching staff and the decision to start preparations earlier. An indispensable part of the story is the relationship with Sasa Obradovic in Monaco, as well as the latest acquisition from the NBA, Kemba Walker.
We opened the conversation with a story about the national team. Many feel an extra dose of satisfaction, but also a burden, when they wear the jersey of the country they are performing for. One of them is Donatas Motiejunas.
“Playing for the national team is the most important thing. We have been playing for youth selections since we were children, and it was always important for me to participate in that. I grew up with that. I have been in the national team for some time.
There were some conflicts in the past with the Federation and certain coaches, generally unfortunate situations that I didn’t want to happen.”
Mindaugas Kuzminskas and Jonas Valanciunas as examples for younger generations
“The perfect example of loyalty and emotion for the coat of arms and flag are Mindaugas Kuzminskas and Jonas Valanciunas. They are a true example of how to dedicate the summer to the national team and how to wear the Lithuanian jersey. For me, these two are examples of how basketball players should be patriots.
I’ve already said how important it is (to play for the national team). We grew up together, played against each other, but the national team is a place where you play with friends and can spend quality time. In the end, you can create wonderful memories and something beautiful.”
Serbia and Lithuania as recognition for European basketball
Serbian and Lithuanian national teams have always been recognizable for basketball in Europe. This time, Nikola Jokic and Domantas Sabonis will not be present at the FIBA World Cup 2023.
When it comes to Lithuania, they are affected by a few more absences as Rokas Giedraitis, Lukas Lekavicius, Marius Grigonis and Edgaras Ulanovas will not play for the national team this summer in addition to Sabonis.
Donatas Motiejunas spoke on the topic, and he did not miss the opportunity to compare some past times with today’s basketball and its requirements.
“A lot of veterans talked about it, they spoke badly about younger players who didn’t want to play, at least that was the case in Lithuania. I’m of the opposite opinion. I’m trying to understand them. 10 years ago older players didn’t play 90 games a year. We did!
When you play every year it’s very difficult. The trips are longer, the schedule is more difficult. There were some months when we didn’t even practice because we played games every other day.
Whenever we had a longer break, the French League would insert a game into the schedule. We were exhausted. So I understand the guys who couldn’t respond this summer. It is possible that they were injured and that they have problems with their body and some problems of a personal nature. We are all human in the end. I understand that completely. The national team is a place where people want to come, not to be forced or asked.”
Promise
“I promised to head coach Kazys Maksvytis that I would be available this year, because last year I had personal commitments. As long as he wants me, I will come and play for the national team.
And I repeat, I am not here to judge or criticize the boys, I understand them, but at the same time I have again to say that Jonas Valanciunas and Mindaugas Kuzminskas show how a true patriot comes to the national team every year. Whenever they were called, they came and that is a phenomenal example for the younger generation.“
Preparations for the FIBA World Cup 2023
Lithuania started the preparatory period quite early. Monaco and national team center summed up his impressions of everything prepared by head coach and his staff. From that point of view, there are many more positive things than negative ones.
“We started a little earlier, almost a week before everyone else. On the one hand, the summer was very short for me. Only a month of rest, not even that much. It took a few weeks, because I had to activate my body so it wouldn’t be too much of a shock.
When preparations are not forced, it seems to me that this is a better approach. It is better that we started a little earlier and that we start slowly, and not immediately begin with strong physical preparations. After that you feel tired for weeks. It was a great decision and if they decide to do the same next year, I would be very happy to join earlier. The coaches did a great job deciding to do it this way.”
The Process
Donatas Motiejunas was not part of the team that performed during the qualifiers. It was for legitimate reasons and because of the large number of games with Monaco. In the qualifying group, they played against Montenegro, and now fate has brought them together again at the World Cup where they will compete in Group D.
“We’re not looking that far to be honest. Our team is very young and that’s why we’ll go game by game. When you talk about the group, until recently I didn’t know who we were playing. I’m very serious. I was asked by a journalist here about a potential game in the second phase against Greece and I was surprised.
He had his own explanations, but I said let’s play one game at a time. We don’t want to cross that line of least resistance. This is a process. We will do our best in the first next game and that’s how we will approach each one. Anything different is wrong thinking because it can throw you out of focus.“
Historic season with Monaco
In the previous season, Monaco achieved two historic successes. The first of them is winning the trophy in the domestic championship. It was the first time that Monaco won the title in France. In addition, they reached the EuroLeague Final Four. There, they lost to Olympiacos in the semi-finals, and then beat Barcelona in a clash for third place.
“The season before we were also in the EuroLeague quarterfinals, plus we reached the French League finals. Unfortunately, we didn’t win anything. For me it was an unsuccessful season because we didn’t lift a single trophy. This year I was extremely focused on winning something.
It’s very nice that we finished third in the EuroLeague, but my goal is to be number one. As you said, winning the French League for the first time in club’s history is phenomenal. An amazing feeling for everyone.“
Working with Sasa Obradovic and the mutual respect that exists
“Sasa Obradovic and I have a great relationship. We support each other and understand each other. I have a huge amount of respect for him. I stayed last year because of him. He is an amazing person and coach. He is very passionate and demanding, but he has changed. I would say that now he is more modern in that sense of approach, which I support.” – explained Donatas Motiejunas.
Kemba Walker in the EuroLeague with Monaco
One of the best signings during the current transfer window is certainly the arrival of Kemba Walker in Monaco. In this way, the EuroLeague continues the trend of bringing quality reinforcements from the NBA. Donatas Motiejunas gave his brief comment on this at the end of this conversation.
“It’s nice that the EuroLeague is getting players like this. It used to be China for (NBA) players who are nearing the end of their careers. They were throwing a lot of money, but it looks like Europe is getting closer on the monetary side. It will attract more players (from the NBA) and that’s what we want. To expand and develop as urbanization. We have to try with these things.”
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Donatas Motiejunas for the time he set aside for “Basketball Sphere” and wish him the best of luck at the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023.