How did you decide to start these studies?
Secretary General of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation Mindaugas Balciunas informed me about this opportunity. It intrigued me, because it involved two institutions from two different countries, so each of them brings a different perspective. I figured, if I could combine playing and studying at the same time, why not do it? So I decided to apply.
I want to learn more about basketball, just for myself. I want to understand the game from a different perspective not just that of a basketball player.
Does this mean that you see yourself coaching after your playing career is over?
It is too early to say. I see myself playing for another several years and what happens after that, I will decide later. Of course, I don’t reject the possibility of becoming a coach some day.
Do you do any “coaching” presently (mentoring younger players, discussing strategies with coach, etc.)?
Well, I have experience and right now I’m capable to say what was missing throughout my career and what could’ve been done differently or better. So yes, I try to help other players, especially our younger big men with things they could do to improve their game.
You’ve played for many different teams at both club and national team levels. Those teams were obviously led by great coaches. Have you noticed differences between those coaches and what kind of influence did it have on your basketball understanding?
Yes, I was coached by many great coaches and each of them was different in their own way. Of course, many of these differences were dependent on the player talent, team budget, team goals and those kinds of things. But stuck in my mind are those coaches who were the most capable of motivating their players and were able to drive their teams and who made players think like a team.
In basketball coaching how much importance do you place on education and on playing experience?
I think both are equally important. I don’t agree with those saying that playing experience is all you need if you want to be a good coach. In my mind that’s not enough and a coach should know much more. It is the theory of the game, physiology, different coaching tactics and techniques, training methods, etc. that are also important. Besides you will never have too much knowledge (laughs).
What do you expect to gain from these studies?
To gain knowledge. There’s this saying that the more you learn, the less you know. And I know that there are things I don’t know about basketball and I want to learn those things. I also see it as an investment. The more you invest, the better you are.
