FIBA Basketball

LTU - Motiejunas looks to play important role for Lithuania

HOUSTON (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Over the years, Lithuania's national team has been able to call on an incredible amount of talented big men. From FIBA Hall of famer Arvydas Sabonis to the Lavrinovic brothers, Darjus and Ksistof, and Robertas Javtokas, the frontcourt has always been one of the keys to the success of the Baltic country, which claimed a ...

In order to keep the team among the most competitive in the world, a new generation of big men is emerging and proving worthy to take over from their successful predecessors.

Houston Rockets power forward/center Donatas Motiejunas is one of these determined players eager to keep Lithuania among world basketball's elite.

With the FIBA Basketball World Cup just a few months away, the 23-year-old talks with confidence about what he can bring to the team that will open its campaign in Gran Canaria's Group D against Mexico, Angola, Australia, Korea and Slovenia.

"I know that I can be an important player in the future of the national team," Motiejunas told FIBA.com.

There is a huge likelihood that Lithuania head coach Jonas Kazlaukas will include him in his roster for Spain 2014 and hope he can form a promising duo with Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas.

While Lithuania's team announcement for FIBA's flagship event is still some time away, Motiejunas is certain about one thing: he wants to help the team.

The 2.12m big man got his first taste of success with Lithuania's senior men's team in Slovenia last summer, where Lithuania lost to France in the Final.

He averaged 4.8 points and 2.2 rebounds per game as the country achieved its best result in the European Championship since last winning it in 2003.

Motiejunas played just four minutes in the title game and is still feel frustrated by the tough loss.

"We beat them by a huge margin in the group stage but we completely missed our final game," he said.

"Apart from the final game, I think we did a great tournament. We need to consistently work the way we have been.

"I played some good games but I know that I can do better. I am sure that I will win other medals and titles with my country soon."

Motiejunas is excited at the prospect of playing for the national team at the FIBA World Cup and future competitions.

"Playing for the national team has always been a goal for my career and a great honour. If I am in shape and not injured, I would like to participate in every competition for Lithuania," he stated.

Seen as the favourites in Group D, Lithuania are expected to reach the Final Round and even battle for a place on the podium.

Motiejunas predicts Lithuania will be a tough opponent.

"The team is going to do its best in Spain. I hope that Lithuanian basketball will write another beautiful page in the country's history," he said.

For the time being though Motiejunas is focused on having a great season with the Rockets, who are fifth in the NBA's Western Conference with 40 wins and 19 losses.

After struggling in his rookie season, Motiejunas is proving this year that he can be a solid back-up.

"Last year was a bit difficult because I didn't spend a lot of time on the court," he recalled.

"But I had no choice but to keep working hard in order to convince the coach to give me the opportunity to show what I can do.

"Things have been going well for the team and myself and I hope that it will last."

FIBA