Although the Lithuanian National Team already had preliminary agreements to hold the preparations for the pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Houston, a change of plan is very possible.
According to lrytas.lt, the camp might be moved from Houston to the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo. The team would not only train there, but would also participate in a friendly tournament.
“The final decision about the training camp should belong to the coach of the team Kestutis Kemzura,” the Lithuanian Basketball Federation (LKF) general secretary Mindaugas Balciunas told lrytas.lt.
Although the Federation had planned to organize a 10-day training camp in Houston, the Brazilians have put forward a tempting offer, which is under consideration.
“Brazil is pushing hard to get the Lithuanian team to come. The proposed conditions are great, the tournament is solid and some of our expenses would be covered as well,” said Balciunas.
According to the official, Greece, New Zealand and a couple other teams from the pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament will be in Sao Paolo together with the Brazilian national team. Russia could also join this list, but hasn’t fully committed yet.
However, Balciunas ensured that the proposal will be discussed with coach Kemzura before making a firm decision about the national team’s summer plans.
The pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament will be hosted in the Venezuelan capital Caracas from July 2 to July 8. Lithuania are in Group B together with the hosts and Nigeria, with two teams advancing to the next round.
