KLAIPEDA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Lithuania guard Adas Juskevicius has developed a new-found appreciation for the national team windows after he changed clubs in January and moving to Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray.

The 29-year-old marksman welcomed with open arms the opportunity to head back home and suit up for the national team once again for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers.

"I THINK A WEEK'S BREAK (FROM THEIR CLUBS) IS IDEAL FOR PLAYERS. YOU LOAD UP ON POSITIVE ENERGY AND IF YOU DO WELL [WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM], YOU TAKE IT WITH YOU TO THE CLUB. YOU SEE YOUR FRIENDS, CHANGE YOUR ENVIRONMENT AND CLEAR YOUR HEAD. IT'S ALL GREAT" JuskeviciusJuskevicius

After being an integral part of the team's success in November, Juskevicius had an off-game against Hungary on Thursday, but Lithuania moved their marker to 3-0 with an 80-75 victory nonetheless.

"I'm really starting to like these windows. They give you an opportunity to get away from your daily routine during the season," Juskevicius said in an interview with the Lithuanian basketball website BasketNews.lt.

A fantastic start of the season with Lietkabelis and a couple of big performances with Lithuania against Kosovo and Poland in November did not go unnoticed, landing the shooting guard a mid-season move and a more lucrative deal in Turkey.

"I haven't had time to feel worn out at the club, as I came to Istanbul just recently. But if you're away for 10 months, it's only natural for you to get tired," said Juskevicius.

"I think a week's break [from their clubs] is ideal for players. You load up on positive energy and if you do well [with the national team], you take it with you to the club. You see your friends, change your environment and clear your head. It's all great."

One of just three Lithuania players to have played at FIBA EuroBasket 2017, Juskevicius is averaging 7.3 points and 3.7 assists for coach Dainius Adomaitis three games into the Qualifiers.

"We are missing some of our key players. Naturally, someone needs to fill their shoes. I understand that my role has to be different as well," he spoke about the increased responsibility resting on his shoulders.

"The most important thing is that everyone on the team is hungry and motivated [to represent Lithuania]. Everybody is dying to show everything they've got and no one is holding back. I admire the dedication of this group of guys."

"KSISTOF [LAVRINOVIC] IS IN HEAVEN WITH THIS OPPORTUNITY. I'LL BE HONEST. THIS MAN IS MADLY IN LOVE WITH THE GAME. HE SIMPLY CAN'T SAY NO TO A NATIONAL TEAM INVITE"  Juskevicius Juskevicius

According to Juskevicius, 38-year-old national team captain Ksistof Lavrinovic, a former Lietkabelis teammate, is an embodiment of the aura that surrounds Lithuania's locker room. He points the veteran both as a role model for everyone else on the squad, as well as a source of personal inspiration.

"He is a great captain, who knows the right thing to say at the right time. You don't often see players of his age in international basketball, but this is still a great pleasure for him and far from a chore," he shared.

"Ksistof is in heaven with this opportunity. I'll be honest, this man is madly in love with the game. He simply can't say no to a national team invite. If health and other circumstances permit, I would love to come to the national team at his age as well."

"THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT EVERYONE ON THE TEAM IS HUNGRY AND MOTIVATED [TO REPRESENT LITHUANIA]. EVERYBODY IS DYING TO SHOW EVERYTHING THEY'VE GOT AND NO ONE IS HOLDING BACK"  Juskevicius Juskevicius

Lithuania's next challenge will once again come at Klaipeda's Svyturio Arena, where they will host Group C outsiders Kosovo on Monday, February 26.

FIBA