Lithuanian Basketball Association Presidential Election Shift After Candidate Withdrawal
The upcoming Lithuanian Basketball Association (ALK) presidential election on October 14 has shifted after Remigijus Milašius withdrew his candidacy due to health problems, leaving three contenders to compete for the leadership post at the Basketball House in Kaunas.
Zalgiris Shifts Endorsement to Rolandas Skaisgirys
Kaunas Zalgiris leadership quickly adjusted its stance following the departure of their preferred candidate. Zalgiris President Paulius Jankunas told 15min that while the club initially backed Milašius alongside owner Paulius Motiejūnas, the changing field makes Rolandas Skaisgirys the best choice among the remaining candidates. Jankunas noted that Skaisgirys understands the entire basketball pyramid from youth talent development to the senior national team and brings years of business management experience to the administrative role.
Jankunas also refuted claims circulating during Monday candidate debates that Darius Gudelis holds the backing of the Kaunas club. According to 15min, Gudelis claimed during a BasketNews debate that Milašius might join his team as a first vice-president if Gudelis wins. Jankunas stated that Zalgiris has no current reaction to those discussions while the election remains pending.
The candidate debates highlighted divisions over the election process. Skaisgirys criticized what he called unfair maneuvering, asserting that Panevezys Lietkabelis head Jonas Mačiulis refrained from submitting his own candidacy because he expected Milašius to run. A total of 162 delegates from the association are scheduled to cast votes on October 14.
Candidates Announce Prospective Team Members for Association
During the candidate debates hosted by BasketNews, the contenders outlined their prospective teams for running the association. Darius Gudelis announced that he would entrust the general secretary position to Rolandas Viršilas and appoint Linas Kunigėlis as communications manager. Rolandas Skaisgirys stated he would maintain continuity by keeping Dominykas Domarkas as general secretary and placing Natalja Liovkina in charge of youth basketball programs. Gediminas Kvietkauskas indicated he has management specialist Laurynas Boguševičius lined up for his team and expressed a desire to recruit basketball players as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ALK Election
When and where will the Lithuanian Basketball Association election take place?
The extraordinary election conference will be held on October 14 at the Basketball House in Kaunas, where 162 association delegates will vote.
Who are the remaining candidates for the ALK presidency?
Following the withdrawal of Remigijus Milašius, three candidates remain in the race: 3×3 basketball association founder Rolandas Skaisgirys, FIBA Europe board member Darius Gudelis, and National Basketball League president Gediminas Kvietkauskas, as reported by 15min.
Did Zalgiris support Darius Gudelis?
No. Zalgiris President Paulius Jankunas explicitly denied claims that Gudelis holds the backing of the Kaunas club, confirming instead that Zalgiris now supports Rolandas Skaisgirys.
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