Kevarrius Hayes: “It’s very important for me to be back in the EuroLeague” 0

Kevarrius Hayes, who bolstered Zalgiris’ front line for next season, was smiling cheek to cheek on Monday morning as he explored his new team’s locker room.

Impressed by the training, gym space and other conditions, Hayes will start his preparations for the 2022-2023 season today, along with the rest of the Zalgiris players in Kaunas.

Before getting down to business with the team, the 25-year-old 206 cm tall center shared his first impressions of Lithuania with Zalgiris TV.

“I had a great summer, probably the most time I could spend with my family. I played in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. I played against some really capable players, so I was able to see the level of talent out there. It was a lot of fun to try my hand. And, of course, I was in Vegas, trying to make some money,” laughed the American.

Hayes, who arrived in Lithuania on Sunday together with another Zalgiris newcomer Keenan Evans, managed to take stroll around the center of Kaunas on the first day of his, where the players were immediately met by fans asking for a photo with him. The player was impressed by the Zalgiris fans’ knowledge of the team.

“A few people stopped me, and I had even forgotten that I was wearing a green shirt, so they recognized me right away. They said they were very happy to see me in the team. You can immediately see that people here understand basketball and know the news, because it was only recently announced that I was coming to Kaunas. It was nice that people already knew who I was,” he said.

The big man, who will start his fourth professional season in Europe, has played for clubs in Italy, France and Turkey. Hayes is delighted to be playing for the first time in the country where his sport is most popular.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about Lithuania. I know that basketball is very popular here. Basketball is very important for Kaunas. I can’t wait to feel it myself, all that energy. Everybody here cares about basketball and the fans are a great support. It makes you want to play even better,” explained Hayes.

Hayes made his EuroLeague debut in the 2020-2021 season with Villarreal ASVEL, and will return to the top tier of European after a season in Bursa. He hopes to show that he has improved ahead of his second EuroLeague stint.

“As a player, it’s very important for me to be back in the EuroLeague. I want to show how much and where I have improved. I want to see where I am compared to other players in the league after a few years of not playing in this tournament. Coming back to the EuroLeague will show where I still need to improve on offense and defense. I want to improve and strengthen my skills in the game I love,” said the Zalgiris man.