LTU - Top four is minimum goal for Lithuania’s U17 coach
HAMBURG (FIBA U17 World Championship) - Darius Dikcius, the head coach of the Lithuanian teams has set the bar high for his players at the first edition of the FIBA U17 World Championship in Hamburg. The young coach – who has been in charge of youth teams for 12 years and also had a three-year stint with Lithuanian League club BC Kaunas Aisciai – is aiming for the medals in Germany. fiba.basketball had a chance to speak to him after practice the day before the championship tips off on Friday.
HAMBURG (FIBA U17 World Championship) - Darius Dikcius, the head coach of the Lithuanian teams has set the bar high for his players at the first edition of the FIBA U17 World Championship in Hamburg.
The young coach – who has been in charge of youth teams for 12 years and also had a three-year stint with Lithuanian League club BC Kaunas Aisciai – is aiming for the medals in Germany.
FIBA.com had a chance to speak to him after practice the day before the championship tips off on Friday.
FIBA: Lithuania is a traditional powerhouse in world basketball with very passionate fans. What is your goal for this championship?
Dikcius: “The Lithuanian basketball federation’s and my personal aims are very clear: we want to reach the top four, and that is a minimum goal. Our fans could not imagine if we come home with less than that. Everybody expects a medal.”
FIBA: There are two famous basketball schools in Lithuania created by legends Sarunas Marciulionis and Arvydas Sabonis. How many of your players come from those two schools?
Dikcius: “Half of the team – two players from the Sabonis school and four from the Marciulionis school.”
FIBA: This is the first edition of the FIBA U17 World Championship. Do you think this is a good initiative?
Dikcius: “Yes definitely. If this championship would not exist we would loose one year for preparation of a young generation. It is in ideal opportunity to develop the players on top international level.”
FIBA