26-year-old Joao Paolo Batista started this season in Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius club, but later on was traded to Barons/LMT Riga team. Always with a smile on his face J.P. Batista played very well in his new team so far. He performed in 3 games and averaged 17,3 points along with 7,3 rebounds and 2 assists.
- Whose initiative it was to leave the team - J.P.Batista or Lietuvos Rytas?
- The Club initiated the trade. I signed a 2-year contract and was willing to play exactly that time.
- When you finished Gonzaga, you chose to play in Vilnius. Now maybe you regret making that decision? Maybe your career could’ve turned differently?
- I don’t regret on my decision to play in Vilnius. They offered a good contract and it was the best situation for me coming out of Gonzaga. I’m very careful taking decisions and I believe it was the best one at the moment. I’ll definitely be more careful next time a team offers a multi-year contract.
- In Lithuania you played about 2 years. What memories will remain in your mind about Lithuania, Vilnius, Lietuvos Rytas?
- Definitely the fans and friends I made while I was there. The fans reminded me a lot of Gonzaga, very supportive and don’t matter where we’re playing our fans were right there to show some love and support, Rytas fans are the best.
- When you traveled to Latvia, you became SEB BBL player of the month. Maybe in Lietuvos Rytas the coach didn’t try or couldn’t use you on the court?
- I got hurt in the beginning of the year in Vilnius, and was out for 2 months, but when I was ready to play, nothing happened. It’s all about opportunities. For some reason there were not many this year in Vilnius for me. The only thing I could do was take care of myself, keep working hard, try to get better everyday and wait for chance to play.
- How do you feel in Latvia, what can you say about your new team?
- I feel great here in Riga. The team welcomed me like I belong here. We only lost one game since I’ve been here, we have a very talented group of guys and we’re playing very well together.
- SEB BBL play-offs are almost here. How could evaluate your team’s chances?
- This league is very competitive this year. Two Euroleague teams participate, while some ULEB cup and FIBA teams are also here. You cannot lose in this phase of the season, so you got to be concentrated and seek for the best. Of course, it won’t be easy, but we have to fight.
- You’ve got one-year contract with Barons. What about the next season?
- We haven’t talked about the next season yet. I don’t know if they would offer me a new contract, but I’ve heard it’s possible. When the season is over I won’t be in a rush. I just will have to know about the other possibilities.
- What about the summer? Are you going to play for the national team?
- Yes, there won’t be a lot of free time for me during the summer. We have to win the qualification tournament in order to play in Olympics.
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