During the 24th week of the greek championship, Sarunas Jasikevicius and Panathinaikos met PANIONIOS BC. They won 84-74, a lot because of a great game by Jasikevicius; 28 points (also 3 asists). Panathinaikos are still number 1 at Greece, with 24 victories, and only 3 loses.
The greek cup was played on Febuary 6th. Panathinaikos met Panellinios, after winning the first match 68:54. It was a tuff game for Panathinaikos, but great basketball by Jasikevicius, how ended the game with 21 points, helped Sarunas's team to win - 76:70. The next ooponent will be new coach Yanakis's Olympiacos.
In other news: Panathinaikos was assigned with Montepaschi Siena, Efes Pilsen and Partizan Igokea in Group D on the Euroleague's "Top 16".
Sarunas Jasikevicius had another great game in Europe, during the 13th week of the Euroleague season. Panathinaikos played against Fenerbahce Ulker. The O.A.K.A arena was full with noise and cheering, and green fans who made it.
After a close first quarter, Panathinaikos dominated, and finished the half with a proper advantage of 13 points, 42-29. The third quarter was prety much the same, and the 4th was on "garbage-time". Sarunas, again proved to Europe that he is still one of the best players ever played there, showed 23 points on his state. That includs another great evenning from the free-throw line, with 8 of 8 throws..
As the new year starts, I am proud to announce that this site will be part of the Fan Sites Network. For this reason, it is necessary to move to a whole new server which means the site might be down for a little while within the next few days. Expect some changes!
Also, it has been brought to my attention that some visitors have had problems when registering both in the forums and gallery. If you experience any problem in any of the sections of the site, please do not hesitate to contact me at admin"@"sarunas-online.net.
I'd like to wish a happy 2008 to each and everyone of you who keep visiting this website! Thank you.
Sarunas Jasikevicius has a lot of good memories from Barcelona. Yesterday evening he went back to the place where he started his rule in the european basketball. A little nervous, maybe scared. Panathinaikos won, 56-55. Another close game for Sarunas' team. He did not have a good game, 4 points and 5 turnovers. However, he is being fair to himself and stated the following after the end of the game:"While all fans were giving me a big ovation I wasn't able to think about the game. A good thing turned into a bad thing: I didn't play well. It all looked as if I was still wearing the Barcelona jersey. How could we win the game playing six against four? It was not the best game possible, considering the potential both teams have".
A tuff Euroleague win for Sarunas and Panathinaikos
On January 2nd it took place the game between Panathinaikos and Partizan during the 10th week of the Euroleague season. It was a rather strange game. Panathinaikos was ahead of their opponent during the first three quarters and the difference was of 12 points by the end of the the 3rd quarter. However, the Serbians did not give up and at 18 seconds to the end of the game, Pao was ahead by only one point. Luckily for the greeks Partizan missed the last ball and Panathinaikos won, 67-66. Again, Sarunas (17 points) was the best player in the team as well as the only one who scored in double-figures.
After loosing for the first time in the season a week ago, Panathinaikos Athens and Saras played against Bamberg during the 9th week of the Euroleague season. As usual, Sarunas had a great game. But this game was realy one of his best. 21 points, 5 asists, 3 rebaunds, and that also includs 11-from-11 from the free throw line, a record so far in this euroleague season. Sarunas also was the only one from the greeks who scored in duble-figuers, and by cooperating well with his team mates, Panathinaikos won 72-58.
During the 8th week of the Euroleague season, Sarunas Jasikevicius and Panathinaikos went to Roma, to face Lottomatica. After a 48 tie in half, the 3rd quarter was in total control of the Italians. They won 20-9 on that quarter. The advantage continued to grow on 4th, and Panathinaikos lost for the first time in the season, 85-67. Sarunas seemed like he was the only one who showed up to "Palalottomatica" arena. He ended the game as the leading scorer of the greek team, with 13 points, and add 5 asists.
The 7th week of the Euroleague season was played yesterday. Panathinaikos and Sarunas played against Real Madrid. They won 92-85, after a close three quarters. Madrid actually had the lead at the end of the 3rd quarter, but at the last quarter; great basketball by Panathinaikos, and by Sarunas in particular (made some important free throws) won the game for Jasikevicius's team. Jasikevicius had a great game, with 21 points and 6 asists.
Panathinaikos Athens and Sarunas Jasikevicius made on november 22nd an amazing show of scoring, by winning Chorale Roanne 123-83. They tied the old record, which is still Maccabi Elite's, who was made almost three years ago (against Scavolini on 2004).
An amazing 2nd quarter, when Panathinaikos scored 35 points, ended the half with a 64-39 lead for them. They calmed down (if you can call it like that) in the 3rd quarter, and made "only" 30 points. Obradovic's greens were on 94 points when they still had an entire quarter to play! Sarunas took part of the party by scoring 11 points, and passing 4 asists.
Jasikevicius wins the special match for Panathinaikos
The fourth night of the Euroleague was played on November 17th. The main match was in Athens, when Panathinaikos and AXA FCBarcelona met each other in a special night for Sarunas Jasikevicius, who realy has a connection to the Spanish team. Jasikevicius had one of his best performances so far in Athens, by nailing done 13 points, and passing 4 asists. That win keeps Panathinaikos perfect in the Euroleague.
The rivalry between Panathinaikos Athens and Olympiacos Pireus has always been existent, but not as big as now. On november 5th they met each other during the third night of the Greek league. Pini Gershon's team realy miss the days they beat Obradovic's great players. Well, they will keep missing. Panathinaikos won; again. 81-77, infront of twenty thousand Green fans, who could'nt stop cheering. Sarunas Jasikevicius who seemed realy attached to the atmosphere in the O.A.K.A arena, nailed done 7 points.
Panathinaikos Athens opened their "keeping on the title" Euroleague season. They won Rome 86:83 in a hard and exhausting match. Sarunas Jasikevicius showed that he did'nt forget anything about Europe during his NBA time, by making 7 points on money-time, to help Panathinaikos keep the little advantage and win the game. Sarunas ended the game with 11 points.
Panthinaikos Athens and Sarunas Jasikevicius have started thier local league on the right side; they got a win - 90:81 over Almako. After 41-41 in half, Panathinaikos forgo on the opponent, opened a lead and closed the game near the end. Jasikevicius played 19 minuts, scored 9 points and passed 4 asists.
Sarunas Jasikevicius and Panathinaikos Athens have started their way in the Limassol tournament with a win over Hapoel Jerusalem, 98-96. After a close two and a half quarters, Jerusalem had the lead and it seemed like the game was going on their side, but Jasikevicius took leadesarship, and with two great assists led a comeback and Panathinaikos eventually won. After the game, Sarunas was interview by an Israeli journalist and former Maccabi player: Gor Shelef. You can hear and watch the interview here . (In the big screen at the top of the page).
"I've come to a great team. I want to start the preparations for this next season and enjoy again from basketball every day. The money is the less important thing for me. Basketball is the most important thing now".
"I had a good chance to come to a team like Panathinaikos, and I took the decision to sign here. I always test the situation, by the team and the players how to play for it. There is a great group of players here. I feel that it's the best situation for me, and together, we will be a strong team that will compete for all titles".
About Pini Gershon Sarunas said: "I like Pini, he is a good friend. I have good relations with him since I played for him in Maccabi. He will always stay my friend. I wish him luck, except from the times when he is gonna play against me".
"My luck - I won't meet Maccabi in the groups level. Against Barcelona it will be hard, because I love the team and the people there; But I'm a professional, and I'm a player of Panathinaikos, and I will do anything for the team's success".
About 1000 Panathinaikos fans welcomed Sarunas when he arrived in Athens this afternoon. Thanks again to our member Kaiser for uploading and posting these pictures in the forum, therefore they are now stored in the gallery.
Big thanks to Kaiser in the forum for scanning, posting and translating these covers from today's sport press in Greece. They are now added into our gallery.
One of the Euroleague's iconic players is back in the competition as current champion Panathinaikos has announced the signing of point guard Sarunas Jasikevicius to a two-year contract on Tuesday. Jasikevicius (192, 31) is among a handful of players in European basketball history to have won three consecutive Euroleague titles and the only one to have done so with two different teams. Jasikevicius joins another point guard, Vassilis Spanoulis, in joining Panathinaikos after playing in the NBA last season. Jasikevicius is expected to meet his new teammates this afternoon. Source Panathinaikos president has stated in radio ERA sport that Sarunas is expected to be presented next Thursday at 6pm (local time).
As regards to Sarunas' situation with Golden State and Panathinaikos, this is the latest news: The Golden State Warriors have requested waivers on guard Sarunas Jasikevicius after reaching a contractual buyout agreement, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.
“We think this was in the best interest of both parties,” said
Mullin. “As a competitor, Sarunas obviously would like to have an
opportunity to play a significant role on a team. This could
potentially open up other avenues that will allow him to pursue that
opportunity.” Source.
It does seem likely that he is going to sign with Panathinaikos in the next few hours. If you wish to be updated on this, please visit our forum.
Lithuania's leading player Sarunas Jasikevicius took a swipe at the European Championship organisers after his team took bronze.
They beat 2005 winners Greece 78-69 in the third-place play-off
match to earn the Baltic state automatic qualification to the Beijing
Olympics in 2008.
Although delighted with finishing third, the Golden State Warriors guard was still angry.
"I
think the system is horrible, a disgrace. It's the reason why we are
not in the final. With all due respect to Russia this is why we lost to
them," Jasikevicius said.
"We won all our games in the group
stage and our reward was to play a team who finished fourth, Croatia,
who had a day more rest. The same when we played Russia in the semis,
we had 20 hours they had two days.
"We had a better chance of beating them with more preparation. We earned it."
After failing at the Semi Finals of the eurobasket against Russia, the Lithuanian national team and Sarunas Jasikevicius won the game against Greece 78-69 and so they have obtained the 3rd place in the tournment, therefore the Bronze Medal.
Jasikevicius scored 11 points and made 5 assists.
The reports concerning Sarunas' deal with Panathinaikos seem pretty much confirmed by the spanish press, especially "El Mundo Deportivo", which in its digital edition has an article confirming the deal - 7m for 2 seasons. Hopefully in the next few days the truth to this story and this whole situation will unfold.
Sarunas Jasikevicius and the Lithuania national team lost for the first time in the Eurobasket, 86-74 to Russia. Sarunas himself made 5 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Lithuania still has a chance to finish the tournament with a win, as they are playing today against Greece for the honorable 3rd place and the bronze medal.
In other news: The greek press reports that Sarunas is determined to leave the Golden Warriors and sign with Panathinaikos in a 11m deal for 3 seasons. Mind you, this is just a rumour. On the other hand, RealGM Sports informs that Indiana is not interested in getting Sarunas Jasikevicius back, eventhough he doesn't appear to have a role in the Warriors. "Wherever he winds up, it seems likely Jasikevicius won't play again for Golden State".
The Eurobasket semi-finals will take place today. Spain (after winning Germany) will meet Greece (after a win over Slovenia), and Sarunas Jasikevicius and Lithuania against Russia (after a win over France). Sarunas and Lithuania are pretty happy after their won against Croatia last night, 74-72. Here are parts from an interview that Sarunas gave (sport5.co.il):
"Russia reminds me of Maccabi. They have good players at every position on the floor". In order to win against Russia we have to play much better than the last game (against Croatia) which was our weakest in the tournament".
"We have the skills to stop them, but we will have to be in our best. Russia has a great team and an experienced coach".
As the other forum seemed to give a lot of problems lately and hasn't been working since yesterday evening, I've created a whole new forum. Hopefully all the older members will register in this new forum. Take a look and do not hesitate to become a member!
Ramunas Siskauskas led four players in double figures with 21 points as Lithuania over-powered Slovenia 80-61 to remain the only undefeated at the 2007 EuroBasket and set up a quarter-final showdown with Croatia.
Slovenia, who also came into the game with a perfect record, succumbed to Lithuania's overall size and depth, getting out-rebounded 44-22 while being out-scored 28 -14 in the final 15 minutes.
Lithuania's star play-maker Sarunas Jasikevicius didn't play in the second half due to a left hamstring problem and tallied two points, three rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes. Source
In other news: Sarunas Jasikevicius, who was traded from the Pacers to the Warriors last January doesn’t understand his current employer. "I'm really waiting for them to trade me," said Jasikevicius. "It's been going on since February, and nothing's happening. I really don't understand this franchise, to be honest with you." He’s due to make $4 million this season on the final year of the deal he signed with Indiana two summers ago. Jasikevicius’ agent said that the Warriors currently have quite a few interesting offers on the table for Sarunas, but nothing has been leaked as of yet. I hope he finds a team that wants him before training camps start to open. Source
MADRID, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Lithuania point guard Sarunas Jasikevicius is not getting carried away with their impressive unbeaten start to the European Championship.
The 2003 gold medallists, who have already qualified for the quarter-finals, beat France 88-73 in Group F on Monday to make it five wins on the trot, and are the only unbeaten side left in the tournament, along with surprise-package Slovenia.
"I won't make any predictions, we'll just keep taking one game at a time. I have no preference for the quarters. It's a very equal tournament and any of the last eight could go on to win," Jasikevicius told reporters on Monday.
"Spain obviously looks like one of the favourites but, just as long as we keep on winning, I'll remain optimistic." The experienced 31-year-old, voted MVP at the 2003 Euros in Sweden, has been inspirational and leads the assists chart with an average of 6.4 a game.
In the victory over France he scored 14 points and provided a game-high seven assists, while carrying a groin injury.
"The injury is okay, and so far I have been able to play. We'll have to see what happens later. It would be nice to get rid of it and to concentrate on playing basketball rather than lying connected up to machines all day," he added.
After a disappointing season in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors and the Indiana Pacers last year, Jasikevicius's future is not clear, but he refused to give anything away. "I'm not talking about that now. I'll let you know when I have decided," he said.
Sarunas and the Lithuanian National Team stay perfect
The Lithuanian national team achieved another great acomplishment by winning France 88-73. Sarunas played well with 14 points, 7 assists and 2 rebounds. The next game will be against Slovenia, on Wednesday.
In other news, I have added a "game updates" section to the site which you can access through the links on the sidebar under that stats of every game. All the updates on games will be posted there, instead of here, in the main site, as a way to keep the site better distributed . Although the most important games updates will still be posted here as well. You can also check each game statistics on the sidebar. >> Proceed to the "Game Updates" section
Sarunas denies reports that he has terminated the final year of his contract with Golden State and signed a three-year contract with Olympiacos, in an interview for "El Mundo Deportivo". He also states that if he is ever to come back to Europe, Barcelona is his priority, as he declares himself a Barça fan. Therefore rumours of him playing for Real Madrid next season are untrue. I might translate the whole interview and post it later. Source
On a site note - Charlie Bell is already in Greece and he is expected to sign with Olympiacos in the next few hours, which makes Sarunas signing with the team highly unlikely.
Let's get this straight. No other news agency has reported about Sarunas signing for Olympiacos, and so it remains as an untrue rumour. On the other hand, a reliable sports radio programme claims that Sarunas has denied the rumours that he has actually signed for Olympiacos, therefore he is said to be in talks with both Barcelona and Olympiacos.
Sarunas Jasikevicius and the Lithuania national team won again; this time against Germany, 84-80 (First quarter 30-17 to LTU, 49-32 to LTU in half, 68-57 to LTU in the third quarter). Sarunas had 15 points, 10 asists and 4 rebounds. Lithuania will have a big advantage with this win, going into the next level.
Click to proceed to the gallery. (You need to register, but it takes about 1 minute to do so!)
Lithuania has won against Czech Republic this evening. Sarunas has played 23 minutes, scoring a total of 10 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists. Here are some highlights of the game:
Turning Point:The Czech Republic had just trimmed a 25-point deficit back down to 12 before Ksistof Lavrinovic and Linas Kleiza both drained fourth quarter three-pointers as Lithuania remained ahead 87-72. And two more long bombs by Simas Jasaitis in the final 2:25 sealed the deal with Lithuania coasting to a 95-75 victory to improve to 2-0 in Group C in Palma de Mallorca.
Hero:In such a team showing like this one, it's hard to pick out any one player. But Sarunas Jasikevicius shrugged off a strained tendon in his right knee and had 10 points, two rebounds and two assists in the first quarter to throw down the gaunlet for his team-mates.
Stats: Four Lithuanians scored in double figures - led by 22 from Ksistof Lavrinovic - while the Czech Republic's stars Jiri Welsch and Lubos Barton were held to just six first-half points on 1-of-7 shooting.
Need three examples why Sarunas Jasikevicius is ready to re-assert his status as the King of Europe? Midway through the second quarter of Lithuania's 86-69 victory over Turkey, Jasikevicius was taken to the locker-room after apparently injuring his right knee in a collision wiht Ermal Kurtoglu. Within less than three minutes of game action, he was back on the court as his usual self - a leader barking out orders and bickering with the referees.
With the Lithuania fans chanting "Saras! Saras! Saras!", Jasikevicius finished telling his team-mates what defense they have lined up before he steps to the line for a free throw. He misses the foul shot but the offensive rebound comes right back to him and he hits a jumper for a 42-33 lead.
Yes, Jasikevicius is back and he's ready to regain his crown as king of Europe. "It's very nice to be back out there," said Jasikevicius.
"He's the leader of our team. We have to feel him, we have to understand him. And we always have to be aware of him and his passes. And when he's on the court it's passion, energy and intelligence," said Jasikevicius's backcourt team-mate, Rimantas Kaukenas.
Even Turkey coach Bogdan Tanjevic was full of praise, saying: "He was just fantasitc. When it was really a tough fight, he really found his holes and he was definitely the best player out there tonight."
The Bosnian also questioned why Jasikevicius hasn't been allowed to do more in the NBA, adding: "He showed tonight that American coaches don't understand basketball. They're not able to understand him."
Jasikevicius, himself, is thrilled to be back playing a major role for a team after averaging only 6.1 points, 1.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 15.4 minutes for the Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors last season in the NBA.
"I'm happy to be back in business, happy to play for something meaningful. I missed that. In the NBA, you're on the road so much and wait for the end of the season to come", he said. "It was my decision not to come (to the national Team) the past two years because I know I wouldn't have been helpful - I was just too tired."
In Spain, Jasikevicius's goal is clear - "The Olympics. We know it will be tough, it's never easy." He also believes that Lithuania can capture their fourth EuroBasket title - and second with Jasikevicius at the helm. "It would not be a seven-game playoff series, so I think even Spain can be beaten."
And Jasikevicius would be ready for another coronation.
Eurobasket 2007: Sarunas Jasikevicius and the Lithuania National Team won against Turkey 86-69. Sarunas had a great game, including overcoming from a knee hit before the second half. He was close to triple double: 18 points, 8 rebounds and 7 asists. The Eurobasket official site said that Sarunas, for now, is the best player in the tournament ("The king of Europe").
Two weeks, ago, reports out of Greece had surfaced that Sarunas Jasikevicius' agent was working on a deal with Olympiacos of the Greek league. This week, Jasikevicius was on Israeli radio and denied that rumor.
Now, according to league sources, Jasikevicius is in Lithuania working out and has confided with others that the Warriors have had a buyout offer on the table all summer. The amount of the buyout is rumored to be $250,000, far from the $4-million salary Jasikevicius guaranteed himself by picking up his player option earlier this summer.
Per team policy, the Warriors declined to comment on any buyout rumors; however, a league source indicated that the Warriors expect Jasikevicius to join the team in Hawaii for training camp in October.
"NBA is strange a lot of times," Jasikevicius said. "I would think if they didn't want a player, they'd get rid of a player."
Earlier this summer, Jasikevicius declined the opportunity to become a free agent by not opting out of his contract, which would have allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent. At this point, Jasikevicius remains a Warrior until he either accepts the rumored paltry buyout offer, which would provide the Warriors with more cushion away from the luxury tax, or the team finds a willing trade partner that provides them with a player that fits Don Nelson's system at a reasonable salary.
Sources have indicated that Jasikevicius has been unhappy that he didn't get the playing time he felt he deserved in a run-and-gun, free-flowing system. Jasikevicius has said in the past that he feels he can excel in a scheme with a higher tempo, likely adding to his frustration.
In spring, Jasikevicius made it very clear that the Warriors would be silly in trying to bring him back next season. "Obviously, it doesn't make sense to keep me here, that's for sure," said Jasikevicius. "I make too much money to be the third point guard."
Jasikevicius may easily find a new home because of his shooting ability and the fact that he has been a solid floor general in his career with European clubs and his Lithuanian national team. Plenty of teams are still in the market for a cheap, solid point guard option, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami HEAT, and Boston Celtics.
It is important to note that although the offer is rumored to be on the table, nothing is necessarily imminent, especially when considering how low the buyout offer is in comparison to the salary Jasikevicius is guaranteed.
Sarunas said in a special interview some interesting things, and after a wave of rumors Sarunas clearly said that he is willing to stay in the NBA, but if the NBA doesn't workout he would try Europe.
www.sport5.co.il radio brings the voiced interview at 18:00h (Israel clock). Which means that in Spain it is scheduled to be aired at 17:00h, in Lithuania at 18:00h, in USA at 10:00h in chicago area, at 8:00h in LA area and at 11:00h in New York area. (At the scheduled times mentione, enter the link, and at the line of words in Hebrew go to "øãéå" .In the web page, press on the picture. If you don't find it, I will be availble at the forum to help you (MiniJasikevicius). enjoy
The Full interview:
"10-15 teams from the NBA have contacted Golden State to see if there is a posibility for a trade, and all of them got the answer 'no'. I still want NBA, and in October 1st I will be present at Golden State's training camp, as long as I am not offered something else. As of now, there haven't been any connections between my agent and Golden State".
"The journalists in Greece are talking nonsense, same as the journalists in Israel. I haven't signed for Olimpiakos. Yes, I have talked with Pini Gershon, and it is an interesting option, but I would only take into consideration if things don't work out in the NBA.
Sarunas added this as an answer to one of the questions: "Boston might be a very interesting option".
After a close game for 3 and a half quarters, a 11:0 Run and a good defensive game by Greece, The Greeks won 78-71. Sarunas had 14 points, including 4/4 from the 3point line; But of cours, as it said, it was'nt enough for Lithuania.
Lithuania lost against Spain once again in a friendly match yesterday. The final result was SP 97 - LT 74, very disappointing as what concerns the Lithuanian team. Sarunas played 27:20 minutes, scored 6 points and made 5 assists.
I have put up a new layout for the gallery. Hope you guys like it! Make sure to visit the gallery - CLICK HERE I'm still in the process of uploading all the remaining pictures, if you have any material/pictures you want to donate, email me at gallery[at]sarunas-online.net. Thank you!
Ynet.co.il reports that Sarunas' agent, Mauricio Balducci, has sent Olimpiacos an unsigned preliminary agreement. As regards to Sarunas, he still prefers the NBA and will try to sign for Miami or Boston in the next couple of days. On the other hand, Maccabi is still dreaming about Saras return to Israel, but chances are low.
Lithuania has lost tonight's friendly game against spain (SP 95 - LT 75). Sarunas has played 31:25 minutes, scored a total of 12 points and made 7 assists. As soon as I get the pictures from the game, I'll add them right away to the gallery. However, the highlight of the game had definitely been Sarunas scoring from a distance of 26 metres (see the animation or the youtube video below):
Supersport.gr reports that negotations with Olimpiakos have stopped since Sarunas might have received an offer from a spanish club. Saras himself has stated that he loves Spain and he wouldn't mind playing in the country's league (ACB) league once again: "I love Spain. I know the people, the culture, their basketball league is good and you never know what will happen in the future, I might come back, why not? I love living here (in Spain), it's definitely my favorite country".
If he accepts Olimpiacos' offer, that is. Superbasket.gr reports that:
His weight in gold and even more will be the amount Sarunas Jasikevicius is going to get paid in case he accepts Olympiacos’ offer. Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos are known to go “mad” over Saras and they are determined to make him wear the club’s shirt should he decide leave the NBA. In order to show him just how much they want him, they made an offer to his agent Mauricio Balducci. An offer that somewhat exceeds the amount of three million euros per year for a three year deal!
People who know about what’s been going on with the team, say that it will be very difficult for the deal to conclude, since the player seems to be more interested in the NBA and the Celtics, taking also into consideration his wife’s reluctance to leave the U.S. However, the same sources report that in case Jasikevicius doesn’t find what he’s been looking for, then Olympiacos is not going to lose him. That simple.
Jasikevicius is aware of the Olympiacos offer and has already started inquiring. He has spoken with Arvydas Masijauskas and Ramunas Siskauskas, while he’s been calling on friends that know about the situation in Olympiacos. This makes it obvious that the player is considering Olympiacos to be an option.On the other hand the club is no hurry to wrap up the matter and will wait for as long as it takes, meaning that even if McLeod accepts the club’s offer, they will put the deal on hold, since the possibility of Jasikevicius wearing the red and white brings immense excitement to every one in Piraeus.
Three Lithuanian National Team players (Sarunas Jasikevicius, Ramunas Siskauskas and Rimantas Kaukenas) have filmed an advertisement for DnB Bank, in which they appear dressed as "matador" (in tribute to the Eurobasket 2007, which will take place in Spain).
Click on the thumbnail below to proceed to the gallery.
Friendly game: Lithuania versus Belarus. Thanks to MVPjasikevicius for the pictures!
Click on the thumbnail below to proceed to the gallery.
Olympiacos is interested in the Lithuanian guard and his agent, the Italian Mauricio Balducci has admitted to it talking on Greek national radio, ERA Sport: “Yes, I have talked with Olympiacos, as well as with other big European teams about Sarunas. There have been talks, but there cannot be an offer, since Sarunas is bound by contract with the Golden State Warriors” Balducci has said, adding that it’s a very expensive transfer, very difficult to accomplish for any European team. However, … “I would say that any team that aims big would be making a huge mistake not to target at Saras, even if they have completed their roster…”
“…Sarunas is a professional and he doesn’t reject anything. Since we are talking about a man with feelings, it’s true that Barcelona and Maccabi are in his heart, because he has played for them in the past and he has won the Euroleague with them three times. However, he doesn’t say no to nothing. First of all, his wish is to pursue his career with the NBA and find the playing time he deserves. It’s not something he wishes to let go of. And then it’s the contract that binds him with the Warriors. This is something that cannot be surpassed. It’s very difficult. We’ll see however. Just be patient”.
The Lithuanian National Team won against New Zealand (94 - 81) in another friendly game yesterday, as a part of the preparation for the Eurobasket 2007. Sarunas made 9 points and 7 assists during the 29 minutes he spent on the court. Big big thanks to MVPjasikevicius for the pictures of the game.
Click on the thumbnail below to proceed to the gallery.
Lithuanian National Team lost against Latvia by 1 point (83-84) in a friendly game yesterday. Sarunas made 13 points and 6 assists. Thanks again to MVPjasikevicius for the pictures of the game.
Click on the thumbnail below to proceed to the gallery.
Sarunas Jasikevicius first training with the National Team
As it was posted two days ago, Sarunas Jasikevicius is in Lithuania training for the National Team. Big thanks for "MVPJasikevicius" from our boards from the first pictures of Sarunas training.
Sarunas Jasikevicius returned to his native Lithuania yesterday, July 26th, to start training with the National Team for the upcoming Eurobasket in September. Thanks to the lovely "Simka" for the pictures. Click the thumbnail to proceed to the Gallery.
Warriors guard Sarunas Jasikevicius picked up his $4 million option for next season, as expected, but it remains unlikely that Golden State will be the team issuing his paychecks.
Jasikevicius, who had until Sunday to guarantee the last year of the three-year, $12 million contract he signed with the Pacers in 2005, quickly disappeared from the Warriors' rotation after arriving from Indiana in January.
Jasikevicius drew interest from several teams, including the Raptors, before the trade deadline, and his agent expects trade avenues to be explored again this summer.
"Sarunas has all the respect in the world for Nellie, but he wants to play," agent Doug Neustadt said. "If he's not a part of that rotation, then Golden State will probably make a move. But obviously, they've got to get something back that they want. At least that's what they told me."
Jasikevicius had a chance to stop his contract with the Warriors until the 24 of June and sign another team, but he did not do that. After he had a talk with his agent, he decided not to ruin his contract, and get his 4 mln. dol. next season.
''Sarunas's contract is decent and, therefore in his situation trade will be a better way than looking for a new team'' - stated Sarunas's agent Doug Neustadt.
Sarunas is said to be interested in Cavs, as reported by Akron Beacon Journal: Jasikevicius has made some back-channel overtures that he'd love to play for the Cavs next season after passing them up two years ago. He can become a free agent by opting out of his contract, worth $4 million, but he may not want to do it because he may not get the same $4 million in free agency. He also reportedly is considering leaving the Golden State Warriors, where he doesn't play much after being traded from the Indiana Pacers, and going back to Europe.
When Warriors guard Sarunas Jasikevicius first came to the NBA, he was
supposed to be a difference-maker. A tough-as-nails point guard with a
deft shooting touch and proven winner's pedigree. All that might have
been true overseas, but it never translated into this league.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the very frustrated Sarunas
might opt out of his contract and flee the NBA. A while back, he vented to international reporters. Now, according to The Boston Globe, his former basketball home seems like much greener pastures:
Jasikevicius simply has not enjoyed the spectacular success he had in
Israel, where he was treated like a rock star, married a former Miss
Israel, and won a couple of Euroleague titles for Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
Prior to that, he was a star in Spain. A Spanish news outlet had Real
Madrid trying to lure both Jasikevicius and Fabrico Oberto from the
NBA, perhaps in anticipation of hosting next year's European Final Four.
Sarunas in the presentation of his shoes in Lithuania
I have added some new pictures in the gallery from the presentation of Sarunas Jasikevicius shoes event in Lithuania. Click on the thumbnails to access the gallery.
This is the new advertisement - featuring Sarunas Jasikevicius- for the PZU Lietuva Bank, in Lithuania. For those of you who do not understand Lithuanian, he says something along the lines of: "Even though you are a leader in the court, it is very important to be safe in life, so I choose PZU Lietuva bank".
I have added new photos to the gallery, for your viewing pleasure. These are the high quality pictures of the "Delta Underwear" photoshoot. Thanks to MVPJasikevicius > Click on the preview below to view the rest.
The countdown to Golden State Warriors' first playoff appearance in a dozen years was now official. These 2007 Warriors have little playoff experience, but their excitement can more than make up for it.
Coming of the visiting team bus, Sarunas Jasikevicius was the Warrior most comfortable with playoff basketball. Lithuanian guard had experienced playoff basketball, albeit of a different continent, many times before, playing and winning on big basketball stages in Europe and around the world. His confidence is easily explained: three Euroleague titles, an Olympic bronze medal, and an European Championship gold.
"I have control. After this season, I will go to the team where I want to go, either through trade or through options. I just want to make sure I get to where I want to. Financially it probably wont make too much sense, but I want to be on the court with the team I like. Toronto, for example, plays European basketball, not so much because of the coach, but just because it's an international team."
>> To read the whole article click on the link below "Read the full story"
Sarunas Jasikevicius has a lot of good memories from Barcelona. Yesterday evening he went back to the place where he started his rule in the european basketball. A little nervous, maybe scared. Panathinaikos won, 56-55. Another close game for Sarunas' team. He did not have a good game, 4 points and 5 turnovers. However, he is being fair to himself and stated the following after the end of the game: "While all fans were giving me a big ovation I wasn't able to think about the game. A good thing turned into a bad thing: I didn't play well. It all looked as if I was still wearing the Barcelona jersey. How could we win the game playing six against four? It was not the best game possible, considering the potential both teams have".
On January 2nd it took place the game between Panathinaikos and Partizan during the 10th week of the Euroleague season. 
One of the Euroleague's iconic players is back in the competition as current champion 
After failing at the Semi Finals of the eurobasket against Russia, the Lithuanian national team and Sarunas Jasikevicius won the game against Greece 78-69 and so they have obtained the 3rd place in the tournment, therefore the Bronze Medal.
Sarunas Jasikevicius and the Lithuania national team lost for the first time in the Eurobasket, 86-74 to Russia. Sarunas himself made 5 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Lithuania still has a chance to finish the tournament with a win, as they are playing today against Greece for the honorable 3rd place and the bronze medal.
MADRID, Sept 10 (Reuters)
Sarunas denies reports that he has terminated the final year of his contract with Golden State and signed a three-year contract with Olympiacos, in an interview for "El Mundo Deportivo". He also states that if he is ever to come back to Europe, Barcelona is his priority, as he declares himself a Barça fan. Therefore rumours of him playing for Real Madrid next season are untrue.
Sarunas Jasikevicius and the Lithuania national team won again; this time against Germany, 84-80 (First quarter 30-17 to LTU, 49-32 to LTU in half, 68-57 to LTU in the third quarter). Sarunas had 15 points, 10 asists and 4 rebounds. Lithuania will have a big advantage with this win, going into the next level.
Lithuania has won against Czech Republic this evening. Sarunas has played 23 minutes, scoring a total of 10 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists. Here are some highlights of the game:
Two weeks, ago, reports out of Greece had surfaced that Sarunas Jasikevicius' agent was working on a deal with Olympiacos of the Greek league. This week, Jasikevicius was on Israeli radio and denied that rumor.
Lithuania lost against Spain once again in a friendly match yesterday. The final result was SP 97 - LT 74, very disappointing as what concerns the Lithuanian team.
If he accepts Olimpiacos' offer, that is. Superbasket.gr reports that:
