Jonas Valančiūnas was left in awe by the passionate fans in the Philippines.
“People here are friendly. They know basketball… They really understand basketball.
“They know the leagues and the players really well. I’m happy to be here,” said Lithuania’s starting center when asked about his experience in the Philippines so far.
Similar to the Philippines, Lithuania is a basketball-crazy nation, and they have already reached the podium on the global stage by finishing 3rd during the 2010 World Cup.
Valančiūnas and The Green Death are currently placed in a group with Egypt, Mexico, and Montenegro. If they successfully advance past the group stage, they will likely face Team USA in the second round.
“I think every team that came here is looking forward to a matchup against the USA. Same with us,” he said.
The possibility of facing the USA in the second round will be an interesting encounter for Valančiūnas, as he will be pitted against his New Orleans Pelicans teammate, Brandon Ingram.
(C) USA Basketball
Despite being familiar with each other’s game, he believes it will still be difficult to defend against Ingram, who is known for his Kevin Durant-esque offensive prowess.
“He’s really, really good, so it’s hard to defend him. He’s still going to do his job. He’s so talented and humble. He always wants to win, which is why it’s hard to stop him,” said Valančiūnas.
“So we’ll do our best if we get to the point where we play against them
