Dainius Adomaitis Returns to Lead the Lithuanian National Men’s Basketball Team
Dainius Adomaitis has returned as the head coach of the Lithuanian national men’s basketball team, stepping into the role on September 30. The coach takes over the position following the resignation of Rimas Kurtinaitis. Adomaitis previously guided the national squad from 2016 to 2019. His appointment comes as the team prepares for critical matches in the 2027 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers, starting with a home game against Serbia on November 26 and an away fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 29.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the 52-year-old coach noted that he feels more experienced and patient compared to his first tenure with the national team, adding that he slept better than usual the night before his official presentation.
Rolandas Skaisgirys Proposes a 250,000 Euro Annual Salary for Adomaitis
The president of the Lithuanian Basketball Association (ALK), Rolandas Skaisgirys, stated on the Delfi television show “7 krepšinio zonos” that an ideal annual salary for Adomaitis would be 250,000 euros, alongside performance bonuses for reaching European championships, world championships, and the Olympic Games. Skaisgirys mentioned that he discussed the compensation with an agent and noted that he would personally support paying an even higher amount due to their shared regional background in Šakiai, emphasizing that the funds come from the association rather than his own pocket.
Skaisgirys also revealed that he already held a conversation with Adomaitis to discuss general national coaching issues, and noted that he traveled to a meeting with basketball coaches in Marijampolė.
Coaching Staff Selection and Dual-Role Restrictions
Adomaitis announced his coaching staff, selecting assistants he knows and trusts. The staff includes Benas Matkevičius, an international scout for the Boston Celtics; Mindaugas Brazys from BC Rytas; and Renaldas Seibutis from the Žalgiris Kauno coaching staff, with Sigitas Kavaliauskas serving as the physical preparation coach. Addressing his club commitments, Adomaitis stated that holding a club coaching position simultaneously with the national team job is unfair and unfeasible for dedicating 100 percent effort, a factor that influenced his prior departure from the program. However, he noted that his current contract with the ALK does not feature a formal restriction against working in club basketball.
NBA and EuroLeague Roster Logistics for the November Window
Preparing for the November qualifying window, Adomaitis recently completed a stint in the United States observing the Oklahoma City Thunder, during which he spoke with NBA-based Lithuanian players. Adomaitis reported that Matas Buzelis, Domantas Sabonis, and Kasparas Jakučionis all expressed a strong desire to represent the national team when possible, though their availability will depend on ongoing NBA schedules and health. Meanwhile, balancing local commitments presents immediate scheduling hurdles, as Žalgiris plays in Madrid just a day before Lithuania faces Serbia on November 26, requiring careful management of the 24-player preliminary roster ahead of the training camp opening on November 23.
Adomaitis explained that the system involves submitting an extended list of up to 50 names by October 24, followed by informing clubs that a player may be called up to the shortened list by November 16. Discussing his decision to accept the return, the coach noted that circumstances arose where finishing his season late in Japan and returning to Lithuania meant he would likely have started the season without a job, and he acknowledged that dealing with the heavy travel and back-to-back game schedules was a major specific challenge he previously encountered in Japan.
Landslide Victory in the ALK Presidential Election
Skaisgirys secured the presidency of the ALK through a victory in the association’s early elections, defeating Darius Gudelis by a margin of 114 votes to 38. Skaisgirys attributed his support to several strategic missteps by his opponent, including public endorsement conflicts and disagreements regarding executive appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Lithuania play its next FIBA World Cup qualifying matches?
Lithuania plays Serbia at home on November 26, followed by an away game against Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 29.
Who serves on Dainius Adomaitis’s coaching staff?
Adomaitis has appointed Benas Matkevičius, Mindaugas Brazys, and Renaldas Seibutis as assistant coaches, with Sigitas Kavaliauskas overseeing physical preparation.
What vote count did Rolandas Skaisgirys receive in the ALK presidential election?
Rolandas Skaisgirys won the early election with 114 votes from association members, surpassing Darius Gudelis, who received 38 votes.
Related reading