Valanciunas hails impact by Butkevicius and Bendzius in World Cup Qualifiers

TORONTO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas watched from afar as Lithuania claimed victories over Kosovo and Poland in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers back in November.

The 25-year-old shared his thoughts on his country's performances, joining the team for the June-July Qualifiers and growing into a leadership role with FIBA.basketball.

So you managed to watch Lithuania beat Kosovo and Poland in the World Cup Qualifiers?
I did, both games. Two comfortable wins. We played Kosovo first. They gave us some tough times in the first half but the second half everything was clear. Poland is a pretty strong team. We fought well against them, home crowd and all that. It's hard to see them play when you play for them 12 straight years and then can't help.

But you'll be able to play in the third window, at Poland on June 28 and at Hungary on July 1. Do you plan on being there?
Yes sure. I know coach (Dainius Adomaitis) is coming to see a couple of players here in the NBA (Domantas Sabonis plays for the Indiana Pacers) and overseas, so we'll discuss that and set up the plans for me and the team.

What are your thoughts on the younger players that stepped in and filled the roles of the veterans?
They're great. Young guys gave their efforts and everything worked out really well.

Valanciunas was pleased with the play of Arnas Butkevicius in Lithuania's win over Kosovo

Did anyone in particular stand out for you?
In the first game it was Arnas Butkevicius. He's been with us a long time. He has some experience and played great. He's a deadly shooter and hit some deadly shots. In the second game, (Eimantas) Bendzius was on fire, making great plays, he hustled, played hard. That's the key for him.

What did you think of the atmosphere at home against Poland and the opportunity for those national team players to experience that?
The home crowd is always fantastic. Lithuania is well known for the fans. We have full crowds, a lot of people coming to the game. We have that advantage.

"THE HOME CROWD IS ALWAYS FANTASTIC. LITHUANIA IS WELL KNOWN FOR THE FANS. WE HAVE THAT ADVANTAGE" Valanciunas

You've become more of a leader with Lithuania. What has that meant for the national team?
Every team has a leader but we're strong because we play as a team. That's what makes us better. One night I have 27, another night (Mantas) Kalnietis has a big night, then another it's (Mindaugas) Kuzminskas.

What about the leadership aspect for you, though?
I'm trying to make my teammates better, by leading by example. I have experience in the league (NBA) and playing for Lithuania, so I can show them what to expect, how to practice, how to have the right approach. These are big things.

Some players that are leaders believe they have to be more vocal while others do not.
I think you cannot just be vocal without showing an example. That's not what's going to make you a leader. You have to show it, too.

FIBA