The most valuable player of October 203 cm forward Marius Janisius is showing very solid results this season. In a survey where Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian journalists participated, he collected 70 points and overcame Klavs Ansons (Liepajas Lauvas, 64 points) as well as Zydrunas Urbonas (Techasas, 30). During the first month of SEB BBL action Janisius averaged 16,4 points, 11,8 rebounds and 5 times had double-double. Before the game against VEF Riga he was awarded by SEB BBL executive director Romualdas Brazauskas.
- Did you expect that kind of recognition?
- No, I did not even think about it. There are a lot of players who show good results. I was just reading a newspaper and realized that, afterwards I saw it on the internet. To tell you the thruth, Challenge Cup teams aren't really strong, so my individual results are quite good. Of course, our team could play better, but I hope it will happen after the New Year. I think we have a chance to win this cup and our main rivals for it are Nevezis and VEF Riga. But you never know, other teams can sign good players and change significantly.
- What do you think about Alytus performance so far?
- As a newly formed team, we play pretty solid basketball. As I've mentioned before, we should play better after the New Year. There is a possibility that a new guard will come to our team. As far as I know, the team is looking for a candidate in a guard position.
- What is the strength of SEB BBL Challenge Cup?
- I don't say that bad teams participate in it, but players talking to each other and looking at the rosters can be quite sure which teams are gonna win and which not. VEF Riga surprised me a lot in a positive way, Techasas also did exactly that. Those two teams exceeded my expectations so far. Meanwhile, Suduva-Arvi started the season off really slow. It's hard to prognosticate in which way teams are gonna go during the season, any team can sign new contracts with players.
- Do you feel that rival teams pay significant attention to you?
- That happens every time. I and Nerijus Varnelis are always in check. But the more attention we get, the easier to play for our teammates is. In the last game against VEF Riga I dished out 8 assists to other guys who easily scored points. Maybe scoring gives more satisfaction, but I also like to pass the ball. A lot of teams have foreigners who play selfish basketball, not team oriented that we are used to. I think coaches should controll them.
- You probably had more interesting offers during the
off-season, why did you choose Alytus?
- Right, I had a lot of different offers. One agency offered me to play in a good foreign team, but I was waiting for it and ultimately did not get anything. In Lithuania Alytus showed interest in me and made a really good offer. I don't see why should I go in some German team that fights to survive and stay in the championship. Also, the roster of Alytus made me believe in this team. I realized we can win something with those guys.
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