Edgaras Ulanovas named as Zalgiris captain 0

Long-time Zalgiris forward Edgaras Ulanovas, who had been temporarily appointed to the position of team captain in the summer, was confirmed for the position by a general consensus in the team.

The 30-year-old 199 cm tall forward took over the captain’s armband from Paulius Jankunas, who announced his retirement after last season. Speaking to Zalgiris TV, the former player, who has already started his career in Zalgiris management, gave his assessment of the new team captain.

“I hope that everything will go well and Edgaras will add something to the captaincy – some qualities, some desires. He is experienced and knows how things were before. Maybe he wants to improve and change something. His hands are open and I think he will be able to cope with this position very well,” said Jankunas.

Jankunas, who is the longest serving captain in Zalgiris’ history, said that Ulanovas was the undisputed favorite to get such recognition from other Zalgiris players and revealed what qualities will make him a good captain.

“Edgaras is responsible and very importantly, he wants to be a leader, he wants to lead the team forward. With this position, his motivation will only increase. He will do a great job and will manage the team and the locker room.”

The new team captain himself, was happy to receive the praise and explained that he feels it is his duty not only to praise the other Zalgiris players when necessary, but also to give them a slap on the wrist if the situation calls for it.

The team captain is not only responsible for inspiring the players before the game, but also for the various gatherings off the court. Ulanovas said that there will be team dinners together, but the mood will also depend on the team’s performance on the court.

“It’s always up to the captain to organize it. In the past it was Paulius who was in charge of it, but it falls upon me now. There’ll be dinners, and if we play well, they will be more fun. If we play worse, they might be a little bit lower on the mood. Hopefully, they’re all mostly cheerful,” explained Zalgiris’ new captain.