Yesterday, Rytas Vilnius stepped onto the court for the first official training session ahead of the upcoming season. Both returning players and new faces appeared on the court, while youth system representatives also joined the main squad.
“It is important to build good connections from day one. First of all, within the coaching staff, but also with the players – those who stayed need to get used to the new players, and the newcomers need to adapt to our system,” said Rytas Vilnius head coach Giedrius Žibėnas during the first training session.
“It was really fun to get on the court and meet everyone. Everyone seems sincere, and the atmosphere feels like a family. The coaches are great. Over the summer, we had many discussions with the head coach about how he wants to play and how things work here,” said Rytas Vilnius newcomer Jerrick Harding. “I have felt support since my arrival. As I said, it felt good to get through the first training – at first, you feel a bit nervous, everything is new, new faces, but everyone welcomed me warmly. I am happy and excited to start the season.”
Although the training session was full of energy and enthusiasm, some players were not present on the court this time. Players representing the Lithuanian national team – Gytis Radzevičius and Ignas Sargiūnas – and Jacob Wiley, representing the North Macedonia national team, will join the team later. Jordanas Walker will also not be able to join the team immediately as he continues his rehabilitation after surgery.
“Walker will not be able to train with us in the first days. He is recovering from meniscus surgery and needs to continue rehabilitation and restore mobility. This may take a few days, possibly around ten,” said G. Žibėnas regarding the player’s rehabilitation process. “Day by day, the situation will become clearer. We hope he will join as soon as possible.”
The coach also highlighted the contribution of youth players during the first session:
“We had a lot of youth join – it’s a good check for them and an additional motivation. Their energy is high, just as we expected. As always in the first trainings, you want to restrain them more than push. That’s how it is in every pre-season phase.”
The first training is only the beginning. Later this week, the team will continue preparation at a training camp in Druskininkai, and their first friendly match is scheduled for August 26 against Jonava.
The official Betsson-LKL season begins on September 21 with an away game against Kėdainiai Nevėžis. Rytas Vilnius will play their first home game on September 24 against Gargždai Gargždus, while the FIBA Champions League opener is scheduled for October 7, when the team will host visitors from Warsaw.