Zalgiris players shared their summer experiences during medical testing 0

This last Wednesday, the newcomers and Zalgiris players who stayed in Lithuania started the first stage of preparations for the upcoming season – medical testing.

Zalgiris physical preparation coach Justinas Grainys explained that these tests are needed in order to collect all the possible information about the players, as they will help set individual training programs for each athlete.

“Each year we’re going through a series of standardized tests. Simply put, the more information we have, the more we can highlight and work on the weaknesses. During the season, we individualize the loads, thus helping improve the players’ condition.”

Already on Thursday, the players will gather to the first training camp, where the only players missing will be players representing the national teams in the FIBA Basketball World Cup – Paulius Jankunas, Edgaras Ulanovas, Marius Grigonis, Lukas Lekavicius, Martinas Geben and Jock Landale.

“The preparations for the season are somewhat unusual, since we don’t have any of the players representing the national teams. Some of the youth team players will be helping us out, though.”

The seasoned veteran Arturas Milaknis will also be a face among the newcomers and youth to gather for the very first training camp. After having time to recover, he stayed in shape and is ready to get back to work.

“It’s been a long summer, but the time flew by really quickly. We’re on to the next season now. I really did everything I had set out to do – had my rest, travelled. I also worked individually before the season. There comes a time when you start missing basketball, keep reading about what’s going on around you, who’s joining what team. We’ll have a bunch of fresh faces, so everything’s really interesting. Can’t wait for the games.”

Thomas Walkup has also back wearing green-and-white, as he’s getting ready for his second season in Kaunas.

“I did a lot of different things this summer. I tried going out and meeting up with friends and family. We don’t have too much time, but we try to share the experiences of the entire year. I was also trying to get my body ready for the upcoming season. I went scuba diving and really enjoyed it. I tried making the most of my free time.”

Walkup also competed in the TBT tournament, where he represented Team Hines in a face-off for a 2 million dollar prize. With Aaron White as his teammate, they managed to reach the Semi-Finals of the tournament.