interview- Renaldas Seibutis, Zalgiris Kaunas

After three consecutive losses, Zalgiris Kaunas registered its first win in Group F and did it in style against last season's Turkish Airlines Euroleague finalist Olympiacos Piraeus, in front of over 10,000 fans at Zalgirio Arena and by a big margin, 75-55. Zalgiris also got its first-ever continental win with Euroleague legend Sarunas Jasikevicius as head coach. One of main pillars this season has been guard Renaldas Seibutis, who helped Zalgiris beat the Reds with 11 points and 4 rebounds. Seibutis is in his first season with Zalgiris after playing in Greece, Spain, Turkey and for two other Lithuanian teams, Sakalai and Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius. He is averaging 7.7 points on 86.4% free throw shooting in 11 games thus far, but has raised his scoring average to 12 points with Coach 'Saras'. Seibutis believes having Jasikevicius as head coach can definitely make Zalgiris better, as he told Euroleague.net in this interview. "He was a great, emotional player who knows what it takes to play big games and win them. So far, I think he is doing a really, really good job motivating us and preparing us for those kinds of moments," Seibutis said. "Small details, which are very important in this game, are right there. We just have to follow his plan; he has been there already, many times."

Hello, Renaldas. Congratulations on the big win against Olympiacos. What did you do well to beat a top Euroleague team by 20 points?

"First of all, we didn't think about winning by so many points. We were focused on competing hard and after the three consecutive losses that we had, we needed to react somehow. We came up short in Madrid and then against Olympiacos, we played at home and had to win. If we want to compete for more wins and achieve our goals, we have to start winning games, especially at home. In that game, we were really focused on the game plan our coach prepared for us. We did that and it went well; we beat a great team like Olympiacos. We were as focused as we needed to be. You cannot relax against such a good team. I am very happy that everything went well and we took the victory. We don't celebrate it or anything like that; we did our best and it worked out well."

Like you said, you were close to a win in Madrid and kept your chances open until the end. How important was that game to prove to yourselves you could beat anybody?

 "In the end, the main thing is to work hard, but it is also very important in high-level basketball to be able to believe in yourself. After some big losses, especially on the road, we lost the feeling of the game, our rhythm. It was mentally tough to prepare ourselves and believe we could win. That is what we needed - and still need, I think. We just try to work hard every day in practices to get better and be a competitive team."    

What did Coach Saras change to make you so competitive right away?

"I guess it is easier to see that from the outside and you can tell better. From the inside, every coach has his own mentality and strategy. The energy that Coach 'Saras' has is unique. He was a great, emotional player who knows what it takes to play big games and win them. So far, I think he is doing a really, really good job motivating us and preparing us for those kinds of moments. Small details, which are very important in this game, are right there. We just have to follow his plan - he has been there already, many times. We have to believe and keep looking forward, keep getting better."

You played with him in the past. Has it been difficult for you to see him now as a coach?

"Well, unfortunately, I didn't have many chances to play with him, but I am happy I had a few chances. Of course, it was a big experience for me in the national team to have him as a mentor. He is a winner and playing with him is something I will remember all my life, for sure. It is always a pleasure and I am happy that I had a chance to do that. He is our coach now, a new chapter for Saras. We are just trying to execute everything he is trying to tell us. He is our coach and that is how I look at him now. I respected him as a player and of course, I respect him as our coach. It is nothing extraordinary; this is life and this is basketball. We all love basketball here in Lithuania so nothing is much different."

With Mantas Kalnietis gone, you will see minutes at point guard. Are you looking forward to that challenge?

"If I will have minutes at the point guard position, I will have to be ready. Like you said, I had a chance to play point guard before, with my national team. I have to be ready, that is the only thing. We also have Olivier Hanlan, who is also a combo guard. We have to share that responsibility for our team and take the challenge ahead of us. We will see what is going to happen."

Some people say Group F is the toughest ever in the Top 16. How difficult does it look to you?

"It is very difficult, of course. The teams' names speak for themselves. You always need to be focused at all times, but the motivation to play against such high-level teams is always there. It is important to be able to be competitive against such great teams and great players, and we are trying to do that."

This team has had injury problems all season long; Robertas Javtokas is out for the remainder of the Euroleague season. How do you manage to remain so competitive?

"Well, it is what it is and you cannot do anything about it. Every team has its own problems, I am sure. Injuries are a part of basketball - and of any sport. You have to fight through these things; sometimes it works out well, sometimes it doesn't. The more difficult a challenge is, the sweeter it is when you achieve your goals, so we are looking forward, not back. We are taking it one day at a time."

You will face Khimki, a very strong team with great shooters. What do you like about this teams and what is it the key to beating them? 

"Of course, Khimki is a very good team that is playing really good basketball right now. They are in very good shape, first in this very difficult Top 16 group. We will go there and of course, we have to stick to our game plan and give our best. It will be the only way we can fight for the victory. We will see what happens… I am waiting for the game and am very excited."

This is your first season with Zalgiris. How are you enjoying the experience?

 "It is a great experience, of course. Everything around the club - the city, the people, our fans... everybody lives for basketball and Zalgiris. There is a great atmosphere here and it is also a great responsibility, of course. It is always good to be back in Lithuania and play for such a strong team."     

You will play three of the next four games on the road. How important will it be to be competitive out there before a big run of home games? 

"Of course, it is very important. I don't know what is going to happen in the future. All I know is that we will work very hard to win more games. We will give 100%, as always, to be competitive. This is basketball and you never know what will happen. We have a new coach and are trying to win every game, as always."