Lithuanian Federation denies reports regarding naturalization of D’Angelo Russell

2024-11-26T13:23:16+00:00 2024-11-26T17:27:31+00:00.

Giannis Askounis

26/Nov/24 13:23

Eurohoops.net
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Adam Pantozzi / Getty Images / Ideal Image

Rejecting recent reports about D’Angelo Russell representing Lithuania, the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, LKF, clarifies its position

By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net

The Lithuanian Basketball Federation reacted to recent reports connecting D’Angelo Russell to the senior national team of the country.

The necessary process to naturalize the player has not been initiated, the LKF announced on Tuesday.

“The basketball-related decisions are handled by the coaching staff, led by head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis, and the national team program manager, Linas Kleiza. Their approach is clear, we aim to achieve success using our own talent pool. This is the right path, in my opinion,” mentioned LKF president Mindaugas Balciunas.

“The issue goes way beyond basketball,” he added, “It is primarily a legal issue. The law on citizenship in Lithuania clearly defines circumstances under which a foreigner can apply for a Lithuanian passport in special cases. It can only be granted by the President of the Republic of Lithuania. To date, there are no arguments for Russell to qualify for this exception. The LKF has not started any legal process that would allow him to play for the national team of Lithuania.”

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Improving to 3-1 in Group H of the Qualifiers, Lithuania recently clinched a berth in the 2025 EuroBasket. The second win in a home-and-away series against North Macedonia sealed the deal on Sunday, at the bottom end of the international window.

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