During the summer, Giedrus Gustas is a part of the Lithuania national team that is always in the reckoning for a place on the podium.

Right now, though, he's a member of Latvia's very impressive Barons LMT Riga outfit in the EuroCup.

Coached by Karlis Muiznieks, the boss of Latvia's national side at this summer's EuroBasket in Spain, Barons won by a single point on aggregate in a thrilling EuroCup Elimination Round 2 tie, while in the Baltic League they are holding their own in fifth place with five

		Armands Skele has been Barons most prolific scorer in EuroCup.

wins in 10 games.

Gustas, best known for his defensive prowess, is a key man for the team this year and he spoke to Jeff Taylor on behalf of FIBA Europe.com.

FIBA Europe: Hi Giedrus and congratulations on a good start to the EuroCup. You get to play against one of your old teams, Lokomotiv Rostov, in the Qualifying Round, along with Cholet of France and Khimik of Ukraine. Was this a tough draw for Barons?

Giedrus Gustas: "I don`t know the teams. We can play with everybody but it's a good group!"

FIBA Europe: "The last game Barons played in Israel against Nahariya turned out to be a thriller. What were your thoughts on that game and has it been a confidence booster for the team to survive that tie?"

Giedrus Gustas: "It was good game! Both teams played well... The strongest team won..."

FIBA Europe: Basketball in Lithuania, your homeland, is the number one sport. Where does basketball rank in Latvia and is it getting more and more popular?

Giedrus Gustas: "Step by step, it is becoming the same in Latvia!"

FIBA Europe: Has the Baltic League made a positive impact on basketball in the region?

Giedrus Gustas: "Of course, the level of basketball in the Baltics is higher right now compared to how it was before Baltic league."

FIBA Europe: You played at the 2006 FIBA World Championship and this year's EuroBasket with Lithuania. Are Lithuania capable of winning a gold medal next year at the Olympics?

Giedrus Gustas: "If all players who receive an invitation to the national team come, then we have a chance."

FIBA Europe: One more question about Barons. To realise your aims of advancing far in the Baltic League and the EuroCup, in what areas does the team need to improve the most?

Giedrus Gustas: "We must win every game and get as far as possible in all leagues we play."

FIBA Europe: Thanks very much for your time, Giedrus.