Author: Raminta Kaminskaite;

Photo: Fotodiena.lt (A.Pliadis); Source: lkl.lt

Alytus forward Paulius Kleiza was announced the winner of MVP title during November  in the BBL Challenge Cup tournament. Paulius Kleiza on average collected 29,5 effectiveness points. Additionally, he scored 23,0 points per game, also he grabbed 4,0 rebounds, made 2,0 assists per game and 2,0 steals as well.  

 

What are the first impressions of being named the MVP of November in BBL Challenge cup? Is this nomination important for you?

The feeling is very good. It is a big surprise for me, because I am hearing about this estimation from you just now.  This is very good news. I would like to hear such news frequently, call me allways, when you will know something  (smiles). This is the first time for me.  

What do you think what helped you to show this successful personal performance?

I think that the opponents was handy and I was succeed in playing. My shots was accurate, the teammates helped a lot, they let me to make a shots, they let me to show initiative and they trusted in me.  
 

You are a new guy in team. What can you tell about Alytus team and the teammates. What about atmosphere?  

I have no complaint. The work is very good in the trainings, the teammates is very cool. In general, the people from this region are very friendly; therefore we have good relationships. Maybe I will spend more time with the guys from Kaunas, because I’m from there.   
 
 

What are you doing in free time?

I dont have any specific hobby, therefore I like to watch TV or to spend my free time with computer, like most players. Also I have to study, so I have to go to Kaunas often.  
 

What do you think about Alytus team results so far in this season? How do you think, what needs for a team, that the play was more stable?   
 

Well, I can‘t say that result is good, because we have lost some games in Lithuania Basketball league (LKL)  and BBL  only at the end. We missing stable game, because we have some injuries and we missing more players on the  bench. Its very difficult to play stable, when you have 6-7 players in the team. Naturaly, at the end of the game we missing some freshness, some forces.

The coach also said, what we must play better on the defense.  

 
 

What about  strong points?  
 

The strong points is such a player like Saulius Kazevicius. Its amazing, how he can play, speaking, how old is he in basketball. Also, we have good  big gays, I can say many good words about our power forward Vytautas Tatarunas. He is very fast and accurate.  
 

What would you like to improve in your play?  The teammates gives some advices for you?  

Oh, I have to improve upon my game. About this I can talk and talk. Im young player, therefore I have to work in all aspects  of the basketball. I‘m getting advices from Kazevicius, he allways encourage me, he promotes to take initiative in my hands, when it needs.

How could you evaluate the strength of the BBL Challenge cup competition?
 

Well, compared this past season, this is more weaker. I dont know, maybe we have good group.. (smiles). I feel what it is more easily to play against opponents for me. Speaking about LKL, this season is more interesting, because we can fight for a victorie with all teams, except Lietuvos rytas and Zalgiris.