Ahead of the upcoming 2023 FIBA World Cup, Lithuania has finalized its roster by making a tough decision. Azuolis Tubelis has been removed from the squad, resulting in a total of 12 players who will represent the nation in the final two preparatory matches in Taiwan.
In a recent friendly match on home soil, Lithuania secured victory against Finland. Following this game, the head coach, Kazys Maksvytis, unveiled the official roster for the World Cup, which notably excluded Azuolas Tubelis.
The player had recently signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers during the summer.
Official! ๐ฃ
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ๐ (@FIBAWC) August 15, 2023
Mix of experience and youth for Lithuania at #FIBAWC ๐ฅ#WinForLietuva ๐ฑ๐น pic.twitter.com/izMUh60PxE
The team is anchored by Jonas Valanciunas, a prominent center from the New Orleans Pelicans. Due to various reasons, several key players opted not to participate in this summer’s national team, leading to a roster that includes five newcomers making their debut with the senior squad.
Assigned to Group D in the World Cup, Lithuania will compete alongside Montenegro, Mexico, and Egypt.
In preparation for the tournament, Lithuania is scheduled to engage in two more friendly matches against Puerto Rico and Latvia in Taiwan.
Lithuania’s final 12-man list:
- Margiris Normantas (Rytas Vilnius)
- Tadas Sedekerskis (Cazoo Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz)
- Ignas Brazdeikis (Zalgiris Kaunas)
- Gabrielius Maldunas (7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys)
- Rokas Jokubaitis (FC Barcelona)
- Jonas Valanciunas (New Orleans Pelicans)
- Mindaugas Kuzminskas (AEK Athens)
- Donatas Motiejunas (AS Monaco)
- Eimantas Bendzius (Dinamo Banco di Sardegna Sassari)
- Vaidas Kariniauskas (M Basket-DELAMODE Mazeikiai)
- Tomas Dimsa (Zalgiris Kaunas)
- Deivydas Sirvydis (7bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys)