The looming conflict in Ukraine casts a long shadow over even the most anticipated basketball matchups. As Barça prepares to face AS Monaco at the Palau Blaugrana on Thursday at 9pm (DAZN),coach Sarunas Jasikevicius finds his thoughts consumed by the unfolding tragedy. “The situation is deeply troubling,” Jasikevicius confessed. “I’m constantly glued to the news, following every development on CNN and the BBC. While my Lithuanian colleagues attempt to engage me in basketball discussions, it’s a struggle to focus. each morning, I wake up and instantly check my phone, anxiously awaiting updates on Kyiv’s fate and praying for Ukraine’s resilience. Living in this region, we are acutely aware of the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences. This aggression must cease immediately. The international community must stand united against this unprovoked attack and prevent further escalation.”
I’m thrilled to welcome Coach Sarunas Jasikevicius, the legendary Lithuanian basketball mastermind currently leading FC Barcelona, to the show today.
Coach, thank you for joining me. It’s an honor to have you.
Sarunas Jasikevicius: The honor is all mine. Thanks for having me.
Let’s address the elephant in the room. As your quote in the article indicates, the events unfolding in ukraine are deeply troubling
You’ve spoken out passionately about the situation, highlighting your anxieties about Kyiv and your hope for Ukraine’s resilience. How do you manage to compartmentalize these heavy feelings and focus on the game, especially with such a crucial matchup against AS Monaco looming?
Jasikevicius: It’s a daily struggle, to be honest. My mind is constantly racing, jumping between game strategy and news updates. I try to immerse myself in preparation, in the xs and os, but the images and stories from Ukraine are haunting.It’s hard to escape the reality of what’s happening, especially being so close geographically and culturally.
Some might argue that sports should remain a separate world, a sanctuary from geopolitics. Do you believe athletes and coaches have a duty to speak out on issues beyond the court,notably those as egregious as this invasion?
Jasikevicius: Absolutely.We have a platform, a voice. Silence is complicity. When innocent lives are at stake, when a sovereign nation is being attacked, we can’t simply pretend it doesn’t exist. this isn’t just about basketball; it’s about human decency, about standing up against aggression and tyranny.
It’s inspiring to see athletes from different countries come together to condemn the violence and show solidarity with Ukraine. How critically important is this display of unity in the face of such a divisive act?
Jasikevicius:
It’s crucial. Sport has the power to unite people across borders and cultures. This shared outrage, this collective condemnation, sends a powerful message. It shows Putin that the world will not stand idly by.
What message would you like to send to the people of ukraine, to the families who have been torn apart, to those risking their lives defending their homeland?
Jasikevicius: I want them to know that they are not alone.The world is watching, the world is listening. We admire their bravery, their resilience. We stand with them in their fight for freedom.
Coach Jasikevicius, thank you for your candor and your courage. It’s a reminder that sports can be more than just games; they can be a powerful force for good in the world.
Jasikevicius: thank you.
Readers, what are your thoughts on Coach Jasikevicius’ stance? Do athletes have a responsibility to speak out on political issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going.
