Last week, the 13th round of the Nostra.lt – RKL passed, in which a significant number of players demonstrated excellent individual performances, but the most outstanding was the defender of the Kaunas “Žalgiris – 3” team, Jokūbas Rudaitis.
The 18-year-old basketball player scored 34 points, 24 rebounds, 11 assists and 8 efficiency points in 36 minutes in a winning game against Akmenė Sports Center, and was recognized as the A Division MVP of the Week.
"I really didn't expect it, it's very nice. The feeling is great, I think it's the credit of the whole team," the defender said with joy.
J.Rudaitis identified the main reasons that determine the fluctuations in the team's play, the team's strengths, and how they manage to psychologically recover from painful defeats.
"For most of the team, this is the first serious season among men, so we often lose to our opponents in physicality. Ups and downs are inevitable for our youth system, but we try to surpass our opponents with speed, desire and youthful energy. It takes time to get used to each other, to get used to each other. Last year, almost all the players had been playing in the RKL for several years, they were already "worn in". After the season, a significant part of the team raised its wings to the NKL, NCAA or another European country. We go into each match as if turning a new page in a book.
"Our team is distinguished by its athletic qualities, speed, jump, energy. We are also strong in both individual talents and team tactics. After winning matches, we try to go on a good wave and, having gained confidence, continue it in other matches. After experiencing failures, we try to forget them as soon as possible and concentrate on other matches," said Rudaitis.
The Kaunas leader competes with a dual license in both the RKL and NKL and highlighted the main differences between the leagues and shared insights about working with Martynas Gailiūnas and Rokas Kondratavičius.
"It's completely different. In the NKL, a significant number of players have previously played professionally for many years, so the biggest challenge is to respond with their experience and decision-making speed. Since both coaches are in the same system, their philosophy is very similar. Both coaches emphasize fast offense, tight and aggressive defense, energy, and teamwork. Both Rokas and Martynas create wonderful conditions for improvement and self-development, and give endless wonderful advice," the basketball player said.
The 18-year-old talent also highlighted the team's exceptional energy while playing against Vilnius.
"The goals of each match are the same, we go to win. Playing against Rytas adds additional spice, internal motivation and ambition. This opposition is always felt, so every time the team comes with additional motivation. I invite the fans to come support us on January 24," said Rudaitis.
The defender of the Žalgiris reserve team revealed his personal goals and desire to reach the final four of the RKL A division.
"For this season, I have set a goal to demonstrate the best possible game in the RKL, to show what I have learned in the NKL league. I would set goals for the team to reach the final four, and for each player – to improve as much as possible. I want to wish the fans to come to the RKL games and support their favorite teams, because thanks to them, playing basketball is much more fun," the Kaunas talent opened up.
At the end of the interview, the basketball player also sent a nice message to the RKL community.
"I wish the league to continue to expand and improve as well. I wish for very competitive and interesting matches, and as many equal matches as possible."
