SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Eimantas Bendzius has excelled for Lithuania through the first two windows of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers.

One of the main reasons for that improved play - and Lithuania's 4-0 record in Group C as well as a guaranteed place into the Second Round - are the lessons he learned at FIBA EuroBasket 2017. 

"LITHUANIA IS A SMALL COUNTRY AND ALL THE PLAYERS AND COACHES KNOW EACH OTHER FROM A LONG TIME AGO. WE HAVE VERY GOOD RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN US, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE A CAPTAIN LIKE KSISTOF LAVRINOVIC. HE IS LIKE THE GLUE THAT HOLDS US TOGETHER" BendziusBendzius

Bendzius is leading his team in scoring so far with 15.3 points while also collecting 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals in just over 20 minutes per game. 

During the February window, he picked up 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals in an 80-75 win over Hungary and followed that up by pouring in 22 points in Lithuania's 106-50 win against Kosovo.

"(Getting two more wins) means a lot because these windows are showing how important every win is," Bendzius said. "We can see the situation that a lot of good teams are having trouble."

The game against Hungary was the first in which Lithuania were really pushed after a 38-point win at Kosovo and 20-point triumph at home against Poland in the November window. 

"Every win is crucially important regardless of whether we play at home or not. The key to success is concentration. The lack of concentration during the game may cause a loss and affect the future," said the 27-year-old, who plays for Spanish club Monbus Obradoiro.

The recent past is certainly a major reason why Bendzius has done so well in the Qualifiers. He played in two games at the FIBA EuroBasket 2017, picking up 5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in 16 combined minutes. 

"WHOEVER PLAYS FOR THE LITHUANIAN NATIONAL TEAM ALWAYS FEELS SUPPORT FROM THOSE NOT ABLE TO PLAY" BendziusBendzius

"Last summer we had more experienced and very good players at my position in the team so I learned a lot from them," said the 6ft 8in (2.03m) forward, who was behind the likes of Mindaugas Kuzminskas, Edgaras Ulanovas and Jonas Maciulis in the pecking order. 

While stars like that trio did not play in the first two windows, Bendzius said they made those who did play knew their efforts were appreciated.

"Whoever plays for the Lithuanian national team always feels support from those not able to play," he said.

That closeness made it easier for the coaching staff to integrate more, new and different players into the team in the first two windows.

"Lithuania is a small country and all the players and coaches know each other from a long time ago. We have very good relationships between us, especially when we have a captain like Ksistof Lavrinovic. He is like the glue that holds us together," said Bendzius.

"IT WAS AMAZING TO PLAY AT HOME IN FRONT OF MY FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FANS" BendziusBendzius

The New Competition System has given Bendzius the special opportunity to play in front of his friends and family as he hails from Klaipeda, which hosted all three of Lithuania's home games in the First Round of the Qualifiers.

"It was amazing to play at home in front of my family, friends and fans. I am from Klaipeda, but my family moved to the United States. Still, my grandmother lives in Klaipeda and she came to watch the game," said Bendzius.

Next up for Lithuania are two road games in the third window - at Poland on June 28 and in Hungary on July 1.

"They will be very important games because we will play two away games. All wins are very important because all games carry over into the next round and will count in qualifying for the World Cup," he said.

If Bendzius gets a chance to play in those games, he will have the lessons from another window of Qualifiers to count on in order to help keep Lithuania undefeated.

FIBA