MUNICH (FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 Qualifiers) - Rimuydas Samulenas is preparing himself to continue the good work of his predecessor Mantas Sernius when the EuroBasket Women 2017 qualifiers tip-off.

Samulenas was handed a promotion after serving as an assistant to Sernius at the EuroBasket Women 2015 Final Round when Lithuania reached the last eight and had a shot at taking a coveted place at the FIBA Olympic Women's Qualifying Tournament.

"I'm not a novice and I was close to 'Manto' - I learned some good ideas and so our game style will not change radically," he revealed.

"Some of the plays and elements will change, but not a whole lot.

"Perhaps there will be a stronger emphasis on tighter defence.

"For team building I did not have very much choice.

"The base remained the same because the players showed they are a worthy team.

"I am happy with the team and one which I know very well."

He added, "I think the national team will have a great atmosphere, which will help our players to achieve their goals."

The only major absence is veteran Sandra Linkeviciene, who is ruled out with an injury.

"We know what we seek and we believe in one another," added wing star, Marina Solopova.

"At EuroBasket Women we showed that we were worthy and we are able to play at the highest level.

"We also want to encourage our fans to come and give their support - they are very necessary," she concluded.

Lithuania will play against neighbours Latvia and also Slovenia in Group A.

Lithuania's 16-player roster:

Gabriele Gutkauskaite, Minika Griga lauskyte, Vita Kuktiene, Kamile Nacickaite, Santa Okockyte, Giedre Paugaite, Gintare Petronyte, Lina Pikciute, Egle Siksniute, Neringa Skaudaite, Marina Solopova, Egle Sulciute, Laura Svaryte, Inesa Visgaudaite.

FIBA