Who is Lithuanian coach Sarunas Jasikevicius and why does he deserve an interview?
As part of their continued coaching search, the Toronto Raptors have interviewed Lithuanian coach Sarunas Jasikevicius. What does he offer as a potential NBA head coach?
The Toronto Raptors initial sets of interviews were very safe, obvious selections. Nick Nurse, Rex Kalamian, and Jerry Stackhouse all received interviews for external NBA head coaching jobs; it only made sense they would receive an in-house look.
Meanwhile, external candidates Mike Budenholzer, as well as Spurs’ assistants Ettore Messina and Ime Udoka, have been heavily rumored for multiple NBA positions.
Toronto’s next interview, Lithuanian head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, however, is more of an outside-the-box candidate. Unless you are an NBA die-hard ( I mean really die-hard), follow international hoops, or have a LaMelo Ball obsession, it’s unlikely you’ve heard of Jasikevicius.
But that does not diminish his achievements. During his time as a player, and his short time as an international head coach, Jasikevicius has accomplished a great deal.
Playing Career
Jasikevicius began his domestic playing career at the University of Maryland. During his first two years at Maryland, he received very little playing time. As a wing behind seniors such as Exree Hipp, Duane Simpkins, and Johnny Rhodes, Jasikevicius started just three contests during his sophomore campaign, averaging under four points per game.
As a junior and senior he earned a spot in the rotation. With improved defense and passing, Jasikevicius was able to earn the trust of Gary Williams, averaging just over 12 points and 3.5 assists his senior year.
After going undrafted, Jasikevicius flew overseas to play for his home-country of Lithuania to play professionally. There he converted to point guard and played well enough to earn several looks at more accomplished European leagues.
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After many years playing overseas, earning many titles, including multiple Euroleague titles, Jasikevicius was picked up by an NBA team, the Indiana Pacers. He managed to hang around the NBA for two seasons, playing in 138 games, averaging 6.8 points and 2.9 assists per game.
Prior to his third season, it became clear Jasikevicius was not going to be a significant part of the Golden State Warriors rotation. At that time it made sense for both parties to move on. He received a buy-out and returned overseas, where he played until 2014 when he retired.
Coaching Career
Immediately after retiring Jasikevicius was hired as an assistant coach for Žalgiris Kaunas. Less than two years later, following the firing of their head coach Gintaras Krapikas, he was hired as the interim head coach.
In January 2016, despite having almost no coaching experience, Jasikevicius was hired as the full-time head coach.
During his time as head coach, Žalgiris has made monumental improvements. During his interim/first season Žalgiris went just 2-10 and was the laughing-stock of the league. The next season Jasikevicius helped coach the team to a 14-16 record, a monumental improvement. Finally, in their his most recent season, he was able to coach the team to an impressive 22-14 record and earn a spot in the league’s final four. Perhaps most impressively Žalgiris was able to do this with one of the league’s lowest payrolls.
Next: Chances of each Raptor returning next season
Of the candidates interviewed so far Sarunas Jasikevicius is certainly the riskiest. However, with a successful, stagnant team like the Raptors, risk might just be what the team needs.