"BBL Homepage"

2006-09-22
Interview with the SEB BBL Head of the Board
The SEB BBL is about to start its third season. Does it feel any different now that the organization has passed its creation stage and is in the third year of existence?

Yes, each year was different in own way. First year our season lasted only half of regular basketball season. Last year we had a full season, but the number of the participating teams was decreased. This year is different yet again. We have less teams and different competition format.

Mr. Kehris noted that competition format might look confusing at a first glance. But it allows the league to establish a base for more competitive games. Each team has an equal opportunity to make it to Top-6. And since the first part of the regular season is only two-month long, teams must start collecting their wins right from the beginning. Meaning we could expect few surprises and teams that first get into a good playing shape might come out as the biggest winners. Nonetheless, the second part of the regular season promises to be equally interesting. Top division will include highlight battles of six league's best teams. Second division teams will also have a great goal to compete for ?€“ the SEB BBL Playoffs. Two best teams will make into the postseason. And, most importantly, all teams will start division plays with zero wins and zero losses. This is particularly intriguing for the second division teams. Eight teams of equal strength will battle for the last two SEB BBL Playoffs spots.

Also, the Head of the Board noted that this year's changes involved league staff. Due to an increased workload and league's ambition to produce better product, the number of staff members was increased.

2007-01-18
Interview with T.Rinkevicius

The shortest SEB BBL player 178 cm Tomas Rinkevicius compensates the lack of height with speed and quickness. It seems like Nevezis Kedainiai leader does it successfully as he’s averaging 13.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game in the SEB BBL. He’s not only the leading playmaker in his team but also does most of its scoring.

- Is this season the top of your career?

- If you look only at the stats, you could say it’s the best season in my career. We have a great collective here in Kedainiai. Team’s playing style is acceptable for me, so that’s probably the reason why I can showcase my abilities. We play open basketball, the coach is free of improvisation, there are no frames in our performance. I really like the way we play.

I’ve had more good seasons in my career. For example with Nafta Mazeikiai club we’ve won LKAL championship in 2001 and advanced to the LKL. In our debut season we ended up 5’th. It’s too early to talk about achievements this season, because the most important games are ahead of us.

2007-03-15
Interview with V.Stimac

19-year-old Vladimir Stimac spent last season in Zalgiris’ youth team and was able to make it to a whole new level as he joined the main squad of Zalgiris. After not getting valuable minutes in the Lithuanian powerhouse, he decided to join Lacplesa Alus club, which is being coached by a former Zalgiris coach Ainars Bagatskis.

The young Serbian center made a significant impact on his new team. Valmiera won 6 games out of 7 along with V.Stimac and has pretty good chances to end up even second in the SEB BBL Division II. Youngster’s efforts and spectacular performance in every single game were not overlooked. He got wide recognition for his great play on February as he was named the MVP of the month. During this month V.Stimac was averaging 19.8 points, 12 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game.

- How do you feel playing already for the third team this season?

- The atmosphere in my current team is similar of what was in Zalgiris. Actually in both places everything was fine. Right here it’s just different. Lacplesa Alus is the team that has really good guys. They support each other and do everything to help their team win. I’m pleased that I play for Valmiera, because coach Bagatskis relies on me. He gives me an opportunity to play a lot.

2006-12-07
Interview with the MVP of the Month - M.Anisimovas
Sports journalist of three Baltic States selected Michailas Anisimovas – a center from Neptunas Klaipeda – the Most Valuable Player of the November. 22-year-old 214 cm player was the main force during successful Klaipeda’s November march: team finished the month with a 2-2 record and only in last minutes fell to Zalgiris Kaunas.

In four November games M.Anisimovas’ statistics were nothing but spectacular: 19.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG and 59 % field goal shooting.

Center was happy with the recognition and added that his and team’s play should only improve.

- Michail, you were selected as the SEB BBL MVP of the Month (November). How expected was such award?

- I hoped for it. I always believe in myself but I also think that can play much better. To score a lot of points is not the most important thing, overall contribution to team’s success is what matters more. I am pleased with such selection, but I also hope that this award will not be the last in my career. I am going to work hard to keep a steady high-level of play and hopefully it will bring me MVPs of other months.