Valan: The tournament schedule is intensive, so you have to take into account performance and rest. Only the strong can survive

Recently, Nuggets player and member of the Lithuanian men's basketball national team, Jonas Valanciunas, was interviewed by the FIBA.

Valanciunas said that he felt the European Championship was more intimate than other events: "This event is closer to our region, our base camp. Although every event is important, the European Championship feels more like playing at home, so I'm very happy to be involved."

Regarding the intensity of this short-term tournament, Valanciunas said: "The rest time is always short, but there are many games. But that's what it is. You not only have to play well, but you have to get back to good shape and prepare for the next day's game. Only the strong can survive."

Valanciunas believes that mental preparation is as important as physical preparation: "Every tournament is a challenge - whether it is mental, physical or basketball. To be able to play at its best, you have to combine everything - physical recovery, mental state, concentration and dedication. If you want to win, you have to blend it all together."

He described the Lithuanian team as young, energetic and devoted: "We are fighters. We are here to fight, not to play fancy and good-looking. We are to give everything on the court."