Zalgiris breaks sweat in preseason’s first practice 10

On Friday, the entire Zalgiris squad got together for its first practice, as they begin preparations for the upcoming season.

The practice began with a team meeting hosted by team head coach Martin Schiller, that helped the players get to know each other a little bit better and to be informed of the upcoming practice schedule.

After the meeting, the players were handed off to Zalgiris’ athletic coaches Sigitas Kavaliauskas and Nerijus Navickas, who will be taking on physical preparation in the first days. After that, basketball elements will be brought into the practices.

“The plan for the first days is to get the players ready for basketball practices, just to see how the players move before getting a ball in their hands. We’re looking to see how everyone performs in movement, a lot of stability and core exercises to have the players ready for all the work that is coming up.” – said the team’s athletic coach Sigitas Kavaliauskas.

There was no lack of good emotions around the first practice, as the players finally all got together and saw their teammates. Thomas Walkup was happy to be back with his friends and teammates, and was looking forward to getting back to work.

“It feels good to be back in the gym, back practicing, but also to be back here in Lithuania, in Kaunas. It’s a place that I know and I love, not to mention seeing old faces and old friends. These are people I missed over the summer. Getting back and being reunited with everybody, and also meeting new teammates was really fun. It feels great to be together as a unit.” – said Walkup.

On the 12-13 of September, Zalgiris will compete in the EuroLeague We‘re Back Preseason Tour, and will play a total of five friendly games in preparation for the season.