Coach Kazys Maksvytis and his Zalgiris Kaunas are about to test the theory that one of the best ways to building a long-term dynasty is by holding on to the team's core. After reaching the playoffs last season, Zalgiris model 2023-24 brings back all but four key players from last season.
Continuity is king
The team leaders in PIR, Keenan Evans, Edgaras Ulanovas and Rolands Smits, figure to be the team leaders. Having Evans on the floor is a double boost as he missed the second half of last season due to an Achilles injury, but looks to be back to his old self in the preseason.
Steals leader Arnas Butkevicus and blocks leader Kevarrus Hayes are also back this season for the Lithuanian champs. Dovydas Giedraitis, 23, and center Laurynas Biruits, 26, are both hopeful of taking on even bigger roles this season.
Who are the reinforcements?
Zalgiris tabbed three players at different positions to bolster the team this season. Combo-guard Naz Mitrou-Long came to Kaunas after making his EuroLeague debut with EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. Sweet shooting big man Brady Manek shined in Australia last season and now steps onto Europe's premier stage. And 24-year-old Danielius Lavrinovicius seeks to take his career to the next step with the pride of Lithuanian hoops.
A 3-0 start in domestic action and a series of international exhibition games have helped Zalgiris prepare for the EuroLeague regular season. And soon all of Europe will be able to see how Zalgiris's strategy works when the team travels to Italy to face Virtus Segafredo Bologna.