NBA basketball legend Gary Payton, who came to Lithuania for the first time, today presented a special gift to Vilnius celebrating its 700th anniversary: on the sports field near White bridge he left his handprint. At the press conference in the "OlyBet sports bar and grill" premises, next to which Larry O'Brien's NBA Champions trophy can be seen today, he remembered his connections with Lithuanian basketball.
Mr. Payton emphasized that he came to a country that produces strong and competitive basketball players who can compete in the NBA as equals.
"By visiting different countries, I can compare and make sure how popular basketball is in Lithuania. Therefore, it is understandable why Lithuania has so many talented and successful basketball players", said the NBA legend.
He also remembered the year 2000. Olympic Games in Sydney, when he was one of the leaders JAV in the men's basketball team. Then, in the semi-final meeting between the USA and Lithuania national teams, the score was tied with 43,4 seconds left, and the USA national team won with the result 85:83 in the remaining dramatic seconds. G. Payton became the Olympic champion with the USA basketball team, and the Lithuanian national team won the bronze after defeating the hosts, the Australians.
G. Payton started playing in the NBA in 1990, and in 1996 was invited to the US men's basketball team. That year, he was recognized as the NBA defender of the year and the NBA leader in steals, and in 1999 - USA basketball player of the year. He has received the nickname "The glove" because of his tough defense. in 2006 He won the NBA Championship with the Miami Heat.
"Every player's dream is to take the Champions Cup in their hands and enjoy their minutes of glory. I'm glad I made it,” said Gary.
Vilnius residents and guests of the city can also touch the NBA trophy, which has come to Lithuania for the second time. Today, you can watch it and take 360º selfies next to the "OlyBet sports bar and grill" premises. Tomorrow, the trophy will be displayed at the Jeep Arena, where the OlyBet DUNK IT basketball tournament will be held.
The NBA Champions Cup is awarded each season to the winner of the Final Four. The 61 cm high cup is made of more than 7 kg of silver and covered with 24 carat gold. Since 1977 the cup for the new NBA champion is produced annually by the world-famous US jewelry company Tiffany & Co.
Corey Plummer, CEO of Olympic Entertainment Group and OlyBet Group, presenting Mr. Payton's visit to the Baltic States. emphasized that basketball is sport no. 1 in Lithuania, so it is very gratifying to include the local community in sponsorship projects and add value to them. The group of companies has a strategic partnership with the NBA and will also sponsor the matches of the EuroLeague Final Four tournament, which Beautiful will be held in May.
C. Plummer, reminding G. Payton of his nickname - the glove (lit. gloves), which he earned due to his strong defense, handed him hand-knitted mittens in the colors of the Lithuanian flag. In gratitude, the legendary NBA basketball player gave C. Plummer his signed T-shirt, which will be hung in the OlyBet sports bar and grill premises.
After the press conference at the sports field near the capital's White Bridge, G. Payton left his handprint. This imprint will be the first in the avenue of sports stars that is being developed here. It is planned that the sports stars who visited Vilnius will leave a bronze handprint and signature here in the future. Vilnius has become the only city in the world that has the handprint of NBA legend G. Payton.
Tomorrow, Saturday, G. Payton can be met at the Jeep Arena, where the OlyBet DUNK IT 3×3 tournament of national stars and basketball professionals will be held. There will be prizes for both event participants and spectators, including dinner with G. Payton. Tickets for the event are distributed by kakava.lt for a nominal fee. All funds collected for the tickets will be allocated to the Rimantas Kaukėnas charity and support fund.
