On April 18, 2026, Giedrius Žibėnas, head coach of Vilnius Rytas, publicly acknowledged and congratulated Tomas Masiulis, head coach of Žalgiris Kaunas, following Masiulis’ appointment as the new head coach of the Lithuanian club. Žibėnas emphasized that Žalgiris did not request or seek input when hiring a Lithuanian coach, underscoring the club’s autonomy in its coaching decisions.
The remarks came during a pre-game press conference ahead of the highly anticipated Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) derby between Žalgiris and Rytas, scheduled for later that day. Žibėnas framed the upcoming match as part of an ongoing process, noting that both teams have faced each other five times in the 2025–2026 season, with Žalgiris winning all four prior encounters, including the King Mindaugas Cup final.
Žibėnas acknowledged that Rytas had suffered a recent loss to Šiauliai but framed it as a natural part of the team’s development process. He stated that while fans expect victories, the team’s internal goals remain focused on improving performance and refining gameplay, rather than solely chasing wins.
Regarding the upcoming derby, Žibėnas described it as a valuable test ahead of Rytas’ upcoming quarterfinal appearance in the FIBA Champions League. He expressed confidence that regular-season matchups against Žalgiris help prepare the team for higher-stakes European competition, emphasizing the importance of facing strong opponents to build resilience and tactical readiness.
He also confirmed that all tickets for the derby had been sold out, reflecting the high public interest in the rivalry. Žibėnas reiterated that there would be no room for excuses, as both teams would be at full strength, and the outcome would depend solely on performance on the court.
In addition to discussing the derby, Žibėnas touched on broader themes of continuity and process in Lithuanian basketball. He noted that Žalgiris had secured a fifth-place finish in the EuroLeague regular season, earning them a spot in the playoffs, while Rytas had made history by reaching the FIBA Champions League quarterfinals for the first time in the club’s history.
The exchange between the two coaches highlighted the mutual respect within Lithuania’s top-tier basketball community, despite the intense rivalry on the court. Žibėnas’ comments underscored a shared understanding that success in basketball is built through consistent effort, adaptation, and a long-term developmental mindset.
As of the date of this report, no further public statements have been issued by either club regarding coaching strategies or upcoming roster changes. Fans and analysts are advised to monitor official club websites and league channels for updates on team preparations, injury reports, and tactical previews ahead of future matchups.
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