Lauvergne: “I’m glad to have this opportunity” 2

Another Zalgiris rookie arrived to Kaunas on the first days of August, as French big man Joffrey Lauvergne made his first visit to Zalgirio Arena.

The Frenchman started working out individually in the weights room and on the court, and gave his first interview to the Zalgiris TV crew.

Lauvergne spent the last two season in Fenerbahce and told us about his time under quarantine and the help of French basketball legend Tony Parker.

“I’m not a guy who likes to run outside a lot, but I was in quarantine in Istanbul, and to go outside and run was one of the best moments of the day. I was with my wife, we stayed at home. We had a lot of time to do unusual stuff. The first month was cool, after that it started to feel longer. Then I went back to France, and although it’s not easy to get access in the gym, but I know Tony Parker, and he gave me access.”

Lauvergne won’t be the first French player to don the green-and-white jerseys of Zalgiris. Just recently, Leo Westermann and Axel Toupane played in Kaunas, and it’s no surprise the big man talked to them about moving here.

“It’s funny that it was those two guys played here. Leo is my best friend, and I grew up with Axel maybe from 7 to 12 years old.  We were living in the same village, and we saw each other every day. The world is so small!”

Joffrey elaborated on his decision to sign with the Lithuanian powerhouse, addressing the importance of being in a good organization.

“I’m glad to have this opportunity. It’s the EuroLeague and the club wants to give me an important role. Zalgiris is a big club, and a very good organization. It’s nice to be in a good organization, where they try to put you in the best capacity. Even before my call to Paulius, I knew about the traveling situation, the domestic league, the city… I knew this is good for me.”