By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Rimas Kurtinaitis has stepped down as head coach of the Lithuanian national team, the Lithuanian Basketball Association announced.
His entire coaching staff will leave with him. A new head coach will be appointed after the election of the association’s next president, but no later than the start of preparations for the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying window.
The election is expected to take place in late October or early November, following the resignation of former president Mindaugas Balciunas.
Kurtinaitis had led Lithuania since October 2024, guiding the team to fifth place at last year’s EuroBasket. He revealed that he had decided to leave after the opening round of the World Cup Qualifiers but was asked to remain in charge for one more window.
“I have made the decision to part ways with the national team. I believe now is the right time, as the new coaching staff will have enough time to prepare for the upcoming qualification window,” Kurtinaitis said. “I had already made up my mind after the first round of qualifiers, but I was asked to help the national team and continue through the latest window. It was good to finish with a victory over a strong Bosnia and Herzegovina team, which kept us in a competitive position in the World Cup Qualifiers.”
Kurtinaitis also believes Lithuania still has a realistic path to the tournament, suggesting that wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina and already-qualified Turkey could leave the team needing only one victory from its two remaining games against Serbia.
“I want to wish the best of luck to the coaching staff that succeeds me and to the entire Lithuanian national team. I also sincerely thank my players, the entire national team staff, the assistant coaches and all the fans who supported us through this challenging period,” he concluded.
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