)
The Lithuanian Basketball Federation has confirmed that Kurtinaitis has resigned after nearly two years at the helm of the national team. His tenure was marked by challenges, including a boycott by top players who refused to represent the national team due to dissatisfaction with the federation's state of affairs. In the last qualifying window, Kurtinaitis was unable to call upon as many as 13 players.
The name of his successor will not be known anytime soon. The new head coach will only be selected after the elections for the President of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, scheduled for late October or early November. A decision must be made before preparations begin for the next World Cup qualifying cycle.
Lithuania's next game is against Serbia on November 26th in Klaipėda. Kurtinaitis's resignation comes just days after Federation President Mindaugas Balčijunas also stepped down from his position. According to "BasketNews" portal, Remigijus Milašijus has been appointed as interim president, expected to lead the Federation until summer 2028. Kurtinaitis took over the national team in October 2024, with his greatest achievement being a fifth-place finish at the European Championship. The experienced coach emphasized that this decision was not made hastily.
I have made the decision to part ways with the national team. I believe now is the right time, as the new coaching staff will have ample time to prepare for the upcoming qualifying window.Rimas Kurtinaitis
The Lithuanian coach revealed that he had considered stepping down after the first round of qualifiers, but at the request of the Federation's leadership, he agreed to lead the team during the last gathering. He concluded by thanking everyone for their cooperation and support.
I wish the coaching staff who will follow me and the entire Lithuanian national team much success. I sincerely thank the players who were there when it was very important for Lithuanian basketball, as well as the entire coaching staff, assistant coaches, and all the fans who supported us during this demanding period.Rimas Kurtinaitis
Lithuania currently sits in fourth place in Group J of the World Cup qualifiers with a 4-4 record. Ahead of them are Italy with one more win and Serbia with two more wins. Turkey, with an 8-0 record, has already secured its spot at the 2027 World Cup, and two more teams from this group will join them.
VIDEO Jokic on his captain's role and the upcoming match against Italy: The pressure is greater!
&format=webp)
&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)
&format=webp)
,fit(112:112)&format=webp)