With three Olympic bronze medals (1992, 1996, 2000) and a European crown over the last thirteen years, the EuroBasket trophy holders can be considered the best team on the continent. But the absence of numerous key players, including superstar Sarunas Jasikevicius, hinders Lithuania's chance of a "repeat". It would, however, be a very bad idea to write off the reigning champions.

		Sarunas Jasikevicius

Sarunas Jasikevicius. These two words might well be on everybody's lips in Serbia and Montenegro. Although Lithuanian fans and players hope it will not be the case, the fact is that the reigning European champions have to find a way, somehow, to win without their star, the best player on the continent. Without his ability to set the ideal pace for his talented squad, to find the open man, to deliver when his scoring skill is required, to hit the "dagger", like he did in the Preliminary Round of the 2004 Olympics against the USA (three consecutive three-pointers in only 69 seconds including a four-point play). Not to mention, of course, his unmatched leadership.

Speaking of bad news, "Saras" is not the only Lithuanian star to excuse himself from national team duty. Five of the twelve 2003 European champions are on vacation. Saulius Stombergas, the player some consider to be the soul of the team, and who is often a reliable go-to-guy, has apparently decided to retire from the national team. The same goes for the backbone of the inside game, center Eurelijus Zukauskas, who had never failed to make himself available for Lithuania since his debut, at the 1996 Olympics. They alone accounted for 42% of Lithuania’s points in 2003… In addition, coach Antanas Sireika cannot rely either on guard Rimantas Kaukenas, whose ability to put the ball in the basket (16ppg in Cantu, Italian Lega) could have been sorely needed.

		Saulius Stombergas

It seems the disappointment of the 2004 Olympics, where Lithuania lost the semi-final game against Italy and the bronze medal game against the USA, has taken its toll on team chemistry. "We had big plans in Athens", Algis Pavilonis, national team director, says. "We were thinking of winning a medal but we ended up with nothing."

The numbers do not tell the whole story. It is, in a way, a part of spirit of the team, its spine, that is missing. "I cannot say how the game will change without Sarunas", Antanas Sireika says. "It was good when he was in and it would be great if he will be. But we will have to play without him, to search for other players."

So much for the "back-to-back"? But wait a second! Because, after all, is this team really weak? The answer lies in the question. Of course not! Those who discount a Lithuanian team before the end of the competition are in danger of making a terrible mistake. We are talking, here, about the land of basketball. A country which registers good results in every competition, year after year. A country of three and a half million inhabitants which manages to produce so many good players that more than a hundred Lithuanians are now playing outside their own borders. A unique style of offensive basketball, consisting of shooting, versatility and an unselfish mentality. Of course, Mindaugas Zukauskas is right when he says that "we cannot be better than 2003. It is more difficult to be champions a second time than to become champions." But, where is the harm in trying?

		Arvydas Macijauskas

At the point guard spot, "Saras" obviously cannot be replaced. But Vidas Ginevicius (2004 Olympics) and Giedrius Gustas (2003 EuroBasket) already have some national team experience behind them. Ginevicius had a good season with Zalgiris Kaunas and confirmed his offensive talent at both guard positions (8.8ppg in LKL, with a solid 49/111 three-point shooting). Gustas is even more of a scorer, ranking 10th (16.6ppg) in Russia while averaging only seventeen minutes of playing time! Tomas Delininkaitis could also be ready to contribute, and his good season in the LKL (9.7ppg) confirmed his reputation as an up-and-coming star.

At the shooting guard and small forward positions, Lithuania has nothing to be worried about. With Arvydas Macijauskas, Ramunas Siskauskas, Dainius Salenga and Mindaugas Zukauskas – to mention only the most famous players – Antanas Sireika has his choice of weapons. "Macas", of course, is a relentless scorer and, as the opponents will probably focus on him, his presence will open the floor for his team-mates. Siskauskas is now expected to carry more of the offensive burden, and he has what it takes to shoulder that responsibility. He proved it with Benetton Treviso last season in the Euroleague (12.5ppg at 48.7%). Salenga recorded more or less the same statistics as Siskauskas and is a fearless shooter. Mindaugas Zukauskas, the most experimented player of the squad, can fill in the gaps at both forward spots.

		Robertas Javtokas

The absence of Eurelijus Zukauskas in the paint will be noticed and the style of play will change. Zukauskas' experience, his superb passing, his underestimated offensive game and, above all, his great ability to intimidate were often decisive. Robertas Javtokas has to take over. Darius Songaila, who has proven in Sacramento that he can be more than a role player, must also become a steady weapon. Ksystof Lavrinovic's excellent outside shooting is also an asset to stretch opponents' defenses. Antanas Sireika also seems to be seduced by Linas Kleiza's talent and might try to use him in Serbia & Montenegro.

In fact, the absence of many "poster players" could well be a good way for Lithuania to launch a new generation of leaders. A new generation of players. With one goal : a new generation of success.