UC Final interview: Eurelijus Zukauskas, Lietuvos Rytas
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One of the most decorated players in Lithuanian basketball, and one of the few with both Euroleague and European Championships trophies to his name, almost didn't play professionally at all. At age 20, Lietuvos Rytas center Eurelijus Zukauskas was working in a concrete factory at the port city of Klaipeda. Like most Lithuanian kids, Zukauskas had grown up playing some basketball, but it wasn't until a local coach noticed his 2.16-meter height and called him to join BC Neptunas that he rediscovered the sport. Now, having been Lithuania's man in the middle for most of the decade, Zukauskas looks to bring his experience and leadership - not to mention great passing, rebounding and shot-blocking skills - to the floor of The Spiroudome in Charleroi, Belgium next Tuesday when Lietuvos Rytas takes on Real Madrid in the ULEB Cup Final. "The main thing we should show on the court in Charleroi is team spirit," he told ULEBcup.com. "In Lithuania, we play collective team basketball. That is the only one way to reach our goal. The ULEB Cup final is not an exception."
It's great to see you going to the ULEB Cup Final, Eurelijus, especially after your long-term injury last season. How happy are you to be back on court and trying to win this trophy for Lietuvos Rytas?
"I feel very happy advancing to the ULEB Cup final. Certainly I still feel some after-effects of my complicated injury. Personally this season is not the best one in my career. However, I am ready to help my teammates as much as possible."
Of course, you have won continental titles before, the 1999 Euroleague crown with Zalgiris, the 2003 Eurobasket with Lithuania, the FIBA Europe League in 2004 with Unics. Which of those do you treasure most and why?
"All those titles allow me to reflect on precious memories. These titles are the best highlights of my career. I had to work a lot in order to win them. To make every effort, analyze many teams and so on. However, the most memorable is the European Championshup title won with the Lithuanian national team. We played our best in Sweden. For me, personally, that championship was really successful too."
Are all title games different? Or is there some factor in common that all teams need to do if they want to win a single-game final like the one coming up in Charleroi?
 "The main thing we should show on the court in Charleroi is team spirit. In Lithuania, we play collective team basketball. That is the only one way to reach our goal. The ULEB Cup final is not an exception."
Some of your teammates have won this title previously, in 2005. What would it mean for you at this point in your career to lift the ULEB Cup trophy?
"Undoubtedly, it would be great to win this trophy in Charleroi. This season was not easy for me, especially from the psychological side. I had to recover after an injury and as a result, I was missing basketball and winning titles as well."
In recent years, you've played in Italy, Russia, Turkey and Greece. Was it important for you after the injury to come home and play in Lithuania again?
"I do not think that recovering from the injury in my native country is much easier than it would be abroad. Lithuanians know everything about basketball. Our fans want to win all the competitions and their demands are unbelievable! Players read newspapers and get a lot of criticism. Perhaps I feel good playing basketball in Lithuania because of the sense that I can give all my heart not for Greeks or Turks but for Lithuanians."
What is your opinion about the state of Lithuanian basketball?
"In my mind, the Lithuanian national championship has risen to higher levels. When I began my career abroad, the second strong team, Lietuvos Rytas, was just building up. Now we have two powerful teams, Lietuvos Rytas and Zalgiris. A lot of fans go for Lietuvos Rytas. Moreover, a new modern gym was built in Vilnius and it is always sold out. Generally speaking, it is not easy to play road games with other Lithuanian clubs, either."
Since this is your first ULEB Cup season, how do you rate the basketball level you have found in this competition?
"For sure the ULEB Cup is the second strongest tournament in Europe after the Euroleague. And I have found quite a high level of play here. There are many strong teams participating in ULEB Cup. I am sure that some of them could compete in the Euroleague without problems. We reached the ULEB Cup final and it was a great win for us."
In the final, Lietuvos Rytas faces the winningest team in European basketball history, Real Madrid. What do you see as the key to beating Madrid?
 "I need to say one more time that we have to play as a team and demonstrate quality basketball. This could be as the key to win this title. Also we have to stop the leaders of Real Madrid and not let them have open shots. Another very important factor is going into the game with a positive outlook."
You are well-known as a top shot-blocker, rebounder and unique passer for someone your size. Against a team like Madrid, that has dominated the paint lately, what sort of personal contribution do you hope to make in the final?
"I promise to do whatever I can do playing in the paint. Obviously, our opponents will do everything to stop our low-post players, too."
Many people remember your team's fans being a strong factor in Charleroi when the team won in 2005. Is that an advantage for Lietuvos Rytas this time as well?
"Our fans will give Lietuvos Rytas the chance to feel like we're playing in our own gym. It is always wonderful to play before our passionate fans. I hope our opponents will feel the pressure in Charleroi and that it will be a really positive factor. I remember the European championships in 2003 in Stockholm. A lot of Lithuanians came there and the atmosphere was fantastic!"
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Tuesday, April 03, 2007
ULEBCup.com
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