Having recently officially joined Rytas Vilnius, Matas Jogėla returns to the capital city, where he took his first steps toward a professional career back in his teenage years. On this occasion, the basketball player shares his thoughts on his path in basketball, his attitude towards criticism, personal sacrifices, his connection with his brother Tauras, and his goals while wearing the jersey of the FIBA Champions League winners.
As a teenager, you left your native Tauragė and moved to the capital, where you joined the youth pyramid of the then Lietuvos Rytas. How did the culture of Rytas and the organization look at that time, and how do you see it today?
– I first came to Vilnius to the Šarūnas Marčiulionis Basketball Academy, and joined the Rytas system at 17, when I received an invitation to play for the youth team in the RKL. It was a very good experience and, I would say, my first steps in men’s basketball. It seems to me that today Rytas is even stronger – the club has a strong culture, a clear vision, and provides excellent conditions for players to develop.
At the beginning of your career, you had to deal with serious injuries. How did this experience toughen you up, and what would you advise young players who are going through similar trials now?
– Injuries taught me patience and the understanding that everything takes time. Today, I look at my body completely differently – I pay more attention to prevention, rest, and recovery. I would wish young players not to lose belief in themselves, because difficult periods pass sooner or later. If you work honestly, you will definitely come back even stronger.
At the beginning of your career, you faced the opinion of basketball skeptics, when phrases echoed in the public space that you were a talented player but were “standing still” and not putting in enough effort. Then you worked patiently, until you eventually became the most improved player of the league. How did you manage not to give in to the pressure of the environment during that period?
– There was definitely criticism, but I tried to listen more to the people I trust, rather than the opinions of everyone around. I just knew that I had to keep working hard and training, and the results would come sooner or later. The best part is that first of all, I managed to prove to myself that I can step up to the next level.
You have openly mentioned that in order to rise to a higher level, you had to sacrifice a lot – summer vacations, trips with friends, birthdays, and personal time. Over all these years, were there moments when you felt emotional fatigue and doubted whether those constant personal sacrifices were really worth it?
– Of course, there were moments when I was tired both physically and emotionally. However, I always knew what goals I was aiming for, and that helped me move forward.
Where do you find the greatest motivation today to return to the gym every day?
– Today, the biggest motivation is the desire to improve, help the team win, and make the most of my potential.
Your older brother Tauras will play for “Šiauliai” next season, so a duel on the court awaits you. What is your relationship outside the court and what do you expect from this upcoming showdown?
– Actually, we haven’t played against each other many times yet. When I was with the “Wolves” team, I missed all four matchups due to injury. Outside the court, we have a very good connection; we call each other after almost every game, talk about them, how it went, and things like that. I am very happy that he returned to Lithuania and will play for “Šiauliai”, where he will also have the opportunity to compete in the European Cup tournament. I hope that this season we will finally manage to meet on the court in the LKL.
You have a long acquaintance with Rytas head coach Nedas Pacevičius, and you yourself have stated that he is a coach who fully deserves this great opportunity at the helm of the champions. What evolution of your own play does Nedas see, how will your versatility be utilized in defense and offense, and what will be your role in helping the coach prove that this opportunity of his is completely deserved?
– We have known the coach for a long time, so I think we understand each other well. My goal is to help the team both in offense and defense and to be useful where the coach needs me most. I always try to do my job to the maximum and contribute to the team’s victories. I believe that through joint work we will be able to achieve good results.
Previously, you used to play against Rytas as an opponent. Did you feel sports envy seeing the atmosphere created by Vilnius fans, and how do you react to your upcoming debut in the team they support?
– When playing against Rytas, I always felt a good atmosphere, especially when the game went point-for-point. Truly, more than once I had the chance to feel the impressive atmosphere that gives extra energy to the home team. Now I am very much looking forward to the first games and hope to earn trust through my work and dedication on the court. I think that the most important thing for a player is to give their all in every game, and everything else comes with time.
Rytas has a deep history built over decades in this city, and an army of loyal fans. How do you personally feel this historical weight of Vilnius basketball, what kind of atmosphere do you expect to see in the derbies, and how do you intend to earn the exceptional support of the Rytas community?
– Vilnius has always been a city where basketball means a great deal, therefore playing here is a big responsibility. I am most looking forward to the new season and the atmosphere of the derbies, because these are the games that everyone wants to play. I believe that the most important thing is to work hard from day one, help the team achieve victories, and prove everything on the court.