How Puerto Rico Eliminated Lithuania From Olympics

URBONUS’ Donatas Urbonas and Augustas Suliauskas discuss the winners of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, highlighting the greatness of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Greece national team, as well as the biggest upset of the qualifiers.
This is just a short clip of the URBONUS Podcast. Check out the FULL EPISODE: • Best of Giannis & Gree...
Don't forget to follow us on social media:
Instagram: / basketnews
Threads: www.threads.net/@basketnews
Twitter: / basketnews_com
BasketNews e-shop: shop.basketnews.com/
Inquiries for partnership: [e-mail]
#Olympics #NBA #Basketball

[@BasketNews_com]

This is just a short clip of the URBONUS Podcast. Check out the FULL EPISODE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emaoqqKsnrx4p7c Did Puerto Rico Surprised You By Qualifying To The Olympics?🤔 Let us know your opinion in the comments below!✍ If you enjoyed the video, help us grow by hitting the like button & subscribing to our channel! Lastly, follow us on social media for more content: Twitter: twitter.com/basketnews_com/ Instagram: instagram.com/basketnews/ Inquiries for partnership: [e-mail]

[@Tm_Martishius]

As a Lithuanian, to those complaining, all that matters is that Puerto Rico was the better team that night, they played great, Lithuania didn't, nothing else matters

[@luisa.rodriguezrivera2000]

We know your are a super basketball power and we admire your game, this was our time only. We always know that any game against Lithuania will be super hard. Our admiration for your game, thanks for your words. See you in the next game, hope competition give both of us great games, regards from Puerto Rico.

[@SenpaiGeeze]

We played very good.

[@martinbast5250]

Really amazed at how Puerto Rico played, truly deserved the win. Alvarado and Waters backcourt has a lot potential for the Olympics

[@gabepizza]

let's see how they do against White and Holiday

[@amprosk]

@@gabepizzaas a Puerto Rican Celtics fan I will be very conflicted 😂

[@iamlegend3669]

​@@gabepizzaStill crying?

[@frankieanthony1904]

Puerto Rico defence is elite 💯🔥

[@joserafaelpacheco4248]

I’m from PR and that’s the level of energy our people always brings to any sport basketball, baseball, soccer name it. It’s a huge factor when you play against PR as local

[@lfl077]

Muy cierto,, en cualquier evento

[@truepower3652]

Fr. Asi se habla bro

[@yielenedizz]

​@@lfl077Hasta con Maripili😅

[@TouchNetXD]

@@yielenedizz lol

[@labestia79]

With all do respect with don't have superstars neither starts .. basacly we are made of role players 🇵🇷

[@6375728]

In Puerto Rico we respect so much the lithuanian basketball! We recognize the quality and tradition of Lithuania as FIBA powerhouse. The victory was very meaningful for us.

[@Seroxm13]

I'm from Puerto Rico, but always have had so much respect for Lithuania & Serbia. Love their passion for basketball. Much love for their fans. It was an honor to have such a legendary basketball team play in PR. Better luck next time! 🇵🇷🇱🇹

[@javy8924]

I think the problem was the defense of PR they hold up everybody under 70pts

[@Dyel_Tv]

As a Puerto rican its amazing guys hear you all talking about my island. That night was perfect in the game of Puerto rico and that was reflected inside the court. Lithuania for us still one of the most important programs over the planet. Nice podcast guys here one New sub from Puerto Rico. Nothing but respect.

[@onixmartinez7186]

Don’t sleep on them boricuas 😅🇵🇷

[@franciscoj.figueroarivera8337]

Nelson Colón's ( Puerto Rico's head coach ) mindset as a head coach is to play to the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. He knew that Lithuania had good shooters, so lets not get hung up on screens , and the edge on height and reach , so lets close the " paint " on "D" and attack the basket or take the first available shot at hand to get a score.

[@alanaponte2234]

In any sport, art or any beauty pageant that Puerto Rico is involved and their playing at home? The energy is unmatched. Everything aligned for PR to pull up the win.

[@cam-ix1er]

Those P.R. players are not reinforcements those players are from P.R. descendants their Mother, Father or Grandparents are from P.R and all of them but Alvarado play at the BSN (Local Tournament) The only player that is an American Nationalized is Romero that came from Cuba, he also plays at the local Tournament

[@unk0wninf039]

And some are 100% from here lmao

[@minelisanchez3218]

I was t the game. I can't discrive the feeling but I know I will remember that night forever. So proude of my Island❤❤

[@TheDanny2291]

In conclusion, Puerto Rico’s defense was better.

[@oroc1226]

More PR content 🔥🔥

[@Yo_mama-yx2tn]

It's our moment 🔥🔥 Olympics here we come 🇵🇷🔥

[@Normaleopr]

Puerto Rico is the best!

[@Dangic23]

Puerto Rico was the first Team to ever beat the US Dream Team.

[@costis1979]

No, it was Argentina, FR Yugoslavia, Spain and Italy before Puerto Rico

[@carlosaymerich6453]

@@costis1979 nope.... the first NBA team was PR do the research they show the way to those teams.

[@luisa.rodriguezrivera2000]

@@costis1979 No my friend, the first team to win a dream team was Puerto Rico, no one else do that, go and make a search in google, that will clear your doubts;.

[@costis1979]

@@carlosaymerich6453 no mate, do yours. I've done mine perfectly

[@Seroxm13]

​@@costis1979 IN the Olympics he means. USA had never lost with NBA players in the Olympics until they played PR in 2004. PR was the 1st one to beat them. Those you said beat them in the 2002 World Cup.

[@lotz3716]

Good analysis. I agree about Puerto Rico; they played as free players. No worries about mistakes; you have the ball, so you're responsible. If you make the play, we celebrate; if not, we support each other anyway. Great coaching philosophy

[@KGus1996]

Valid point from Augustas, and I see the same situation in Greece's roster. Even though Greece qualified for the Olympics, most of our bench players are simply roster players in their clubs. One exception is Toliopoulos, and you can already see the impact of his great last season on the national team as well. Back in the 2000s, all our bench players were stars in their own teams (at least at some point in their careers), which was a key factor to our successes.

[@xenooveleas1034]

Also Mitoglou,, He is coming from the bench and he was one of the best of Pana

[@melazaconsabor2028]

Greece got a pretty tough team to beat. Puerto Rico use to be in the Olympic, till 2004 after beating down LeBron and the Dream Team. We had 20 years of slumb.

[@xenooveleas1034]

@@melazaconsabor2028 i remember this game, Greece also beat them in 2006 in the semifinals of the world cup game

[@josecolon8143]

PR is a team that can’t be underestimated. They once beat our Dream Team, they are players educated, trained and play ball in the USA. They are trained by ex and active NBA stars and trainers (not only PR ex NBA stars) so all that has been slowly making a difference. I too was baffled by how Lithuania loss but like is mentioned in this video (not to undermine PR victory) Lithuania is an old team. The problem PR has is consistent training, discipline and professionalism during the hard times. Also it is a team plagued by politics. Let see how they perform! Congratulations Puerto Rico! 🫡

[@AnelRuiz-e7x]

And Puerto Rico didnt bring for personal reasons (Markus Howard, Julian Strawther and Ethan Thompson) Markus is having a baby, JS was injured, ET is traying to make a roster in the nba

[@TitoHernandez-px6sb]

And shabbaz napier wasn’t there too

[@AnelRuiz-e7x]

@@TitoHernandez-px6sb Shabazz Napier will never go lol

[@TitoHernandez-px6sb]

@@AnelRuiz-e7x he already played with PR

[@AnelRuiz-e7x]

@@TitoHernandez-px6sb not anymore bro 🤣 two games and then disappear forever

[@williampadro4672]

What's a victory!!!...from Puerto Rico🎉

[@user-jf7uy2fp8r]

I think Puerto Rico was the surprise of the qualifying tournament after south Soudan

[@dbo8888]

There was the PR defense but then the three guards that could run, dribble, control the game, and then accurate shooting plus finding their team members at the right moment.

[@stephan7938]

Its sounds nice how the guy with black shirt says: “Puerto Rico”; I think he’s Latin or Spanish speaker as a second language.

[@raymondhernandez1868]

Both are from lithuania

[@morlando1108]

Puerto Rico took advantage of the velocity and skills of their guards. Just Remember four puertoricans guards played or play in NBA

[@luismrtz5203]

We are proud people we always love how our own give their best to compete!

[@JC3PR]

Respect from PR 💯

[@rafaelmarti4128]

Remenber Puerto Rico winner and dream team 2004 😅😂🫵🤫🤫💪🤔🤮🫵💪🖕🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷💪💪💪💪💪

[@RobertVelez-s9v]

A very objective analysis 👏

[@hectornegron9155]

As a Puerto Rican and to be honest, I wanted that end but I didn't expect it. I really thought Lithuania was gonna win mainly bc they had Domantas Sabonis on their side. I'm a fan of his in the NBA and expected him to take over at some point.

[@arteboschetti]

Thank you for giving PR their flowers.

[@YoungVDL]

Yessir🇵🇷🔥

[@user-is3jo9dx2i]

Upcoming game Greece-Puerto Rico 16 July (Thessaloniki, Greece)

[@amprosk]

Thank you! Our federation has not yet published what scrimmages they will have

[@edwino0903]

Good game to watch. Great team work combine with strong offensive/defense on the part of Puerto Rico. Lithuania will go back to the drawing board and figure out what was missing. Please let's remember what Puerto Rico did the same to USA in 2004. Also the coach of this puertorrican team that just won, was the main player on that unforgettable 2004 game.

[@LuisBerrios-d4l]

Pa Paris! Sorry guys but I'm partying

[@gedog77]

Augustas, that was weak. The team lost a game and now 'they only have role players'? 'we have to reduce our expectations'? You can do better, Lietuva expects you to do better. They didn't play as well, they weren't free and their shot didn't fall. But the Kings didn't trade for a role-player, neither did Barca. You have quality players, they were not playing as a team, and with belief, that night and they need to play together more. I don't want to hear this defeatism again.

[@BC-th3mx]

Tough for Lithuania 🙏🏼 Viva Latinoamerica! Somos los reyes de los deportes! 🏀⚽⚾🏒 💪🏼

[@oomrcriquit]

Vamos🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@darellarocho5729]

YO SOY BORICUA, PA QUE TU LO SEPA!

[@gruaspr]

🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🔥

[@luisrodz3939]

Los jugadores de Puerto Rico con apellidos norteamericanos lo que sucede es que son hijos de madres puertorriqueñas o es que tienen un abuelo que es puertorriqueño. Esa son las reglas de la FIBA. / Que ustedes quieren??? Que no utilicemos jugadores a los que tenemos derecho??? No está la selección de Francia llena de jugadores que francamente no parecen franceses???

[@user-gw1lv5xe7i]

Puerto Rico in the house,,,,Sabonis is not the top payer in his NBA team..Its kind of hard to be the top player on his team when you are not use to it..GREAT GAME

[@gunthervidavskij6184]

1) PR played at home 2) Lithuania Is not as good as It used to be and the results of recent summers prove It. They failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics despite playing at home, they barely made It to the round of 16 at 2022 EuroBasket. To me the real Surprise of the tournament was Italy. I was expecting much more from them. Of course It has to be said that they played without Fontecchio, Procida and Spagnolo. I also don't understand Pozzecco's decisions some times. Anyway I am sure they'll bounce back next year

[@vulee100]

Latvia played at home too, it isn't the end all be all factor

[@mp1335]

There were articles published about the "played at home" thing. Actually, historically, in more than 90% of all olympic qualifiers, the home team LOST and didn't qualify. It looks like for more teams it just adds pressure.

[@gabepizza]

Lithuania was 6th in the World Cup.

[@gunthervidavskij6184]

@@gabepizza The trend Is much more indicative than a single Summer.

[@gunthervidavskij6184]

@@vulee100 Latvia Is extremely overrated. They had One good Summer After years of mediocrity and now people suddenly believe they are a strong NT. A team that loses vs the Philippines Is not that good. Also, Brazil was a Better team

[@Gri03]

Unexpected for who exactly???

[@EseEilien]

PR Defense was the best in the tournament

[@eduardomangual8577]

Just imagine if we was taller

[@oscar1748]

I was not amazed, this isnt the first time that they beat Lit. In fact, they beat a better team that this one in thr past.

[@MisterJerry34]

Over excited??? dont see in Europe??? Bro i seen Videos of the fans during games with fireworks🤣

[@AvangardaSRB]

I watch basketball since '98 and this is the worst Lithuanian team i have ever watched. Sabonis is not a true leader, Grigonis and Sedakerskis are great but others are just below average Lithuanian players. This generation is pretty bad even with Valanciunas its sad....

[@PROFIT_PR_]

🇵🇷🏆

[@jamesstuart26]

You're really saying that the lack of "allstars" in Lithuania team 😂😂😂 yeah cause Alvarado is better than sabonis.....

[@peddyheroofthehoops1932]

I disagree! In terms of quality, the Lithuanian team is still stacked and they played well in the World Cup. They just lack quality at the PG position and that might be the main reason why Sabonis cannot be utilized properly. Domantas Sabonis is a top 5 center in the world, so it is not just about star power, it is about the system. Spain had a somewhat similar problem a few years ago. They had a solid core, especially in the frontcourt, but lacked quality guard play. Then they naturalized star guard Lorenzo Brown, which changed their whole system and made them win the last Eurobasket (Brown should have won MVP). I respect Lithuania a lot for not naturalizing players, but getting a top European level playmaking guard (like Keenan Evans, Chris Jones, Wade Baldwin, etc.) would make them real contenders. The door is slowly closing, they have many players in their prime now. In general, I am not a supporter of the policy of naturalizing players, but Lithuania may have to go that way to ensure a level playing field!

[@gabepizza]

yeah it seems that many European teams lack good PG and need to nationalize Americans. Spain with Lorenzo Brown, Poland with AJ Slaughter, Georgia with Joe Thomasson, Montenegro with Kendrick Perry, Greece with Thomas Walkup, and Croatia with Jaleen Smith. All European teams, nationalized American PG (except Slovenia with an American center). Europe is great at producing great big men but not so good at producing centers. Even look at France and Serbia, two favorites to medal but they strength is their bigs, not their front court. What happened to the days of Tony Parker, Spanoulis, Jasikevicius, Calderon, etc..?

[@melazaconsabor2028]

They are so tall, their guard is way too tall. Puerto Rico had 4 guard, was using 3 and had one in reserve.

[@user-hg6di3tj2p]

Don’t only focused in NBA and european league of basket. Remenber thats league both have the spotligth always. You should were focuse in other league like the BSN, the best from the caribbean and south america rigth now that are grow up fast because so many player from the NBA and other league around the world prefers to play here in Puerto Rico for the money and the talent that we have

[@jaddriver]

🙏🏻💪🏼

[@panosg.9689]

Grigonis played less minutes with the KING☘,at the last matches, cause he couldnt feat in 3 with Makabi and Real, cause of the height of these teams in 3...he is great,our sniper,but he cant carry u alone,ur front line is not as productive as it was i think....

[@fabianpr21]

🙌🏻🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@panosg.9689]

"pity" for u guys,but Puerto Ricko played great....u have a great programm for basketbal players...national teams are about timing and in our small countries the great generations are "making circles", i think...its my opinion based on Greeces national teams,but you have a better program in producing players...so dont worry much

[@anbuseba3208]

🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@hectoralicea7719]

Puerto Rico is a very small island....so if they needed to get reinforcement from the U. S to recruit other Puerto Ricans then so be it

[@marcosjavier1858]

Esa isla muy pequeña como tú dices ya a ido 10 veces a unas olimpiadas y tiene más miss universos que toda Europa combinada y lo más probable más que tú País 😏

[@krikarica]

PR and Lithuania have basically the same population lmao.

[@Edwin-fb7my]

Reinforcements??...LOL.....only ONE is a native Puertorrican...Romero is CUBAN....LOL......Donald Trump is more puertorrican than any of the PR players....lol

[@PROFIT_PR_]

why u crying?

[@Diazhjucarlos3479]

Puerto Rico usa gente EU son de PR y EU usa gente PR son jugadores pueden representar ambos países son ciudadanos americanos no es son extranjeros es difícil entender ? Yo estuve comité olímpico PR por yudo pero también competí una ocasión por EU , lo puedo hacer igual lucha olímpica , tenis tenemos chica que compitió EU entrenó toda vida PR decidió jugar dobles por EU ganó oro olimpiadas por EU otra que entrenó EU o sea no en PR compitió por PR y ganó oro por PR ustedes no acaban entender no traemos de EU gente como si fueran extranjeros es PR es parte EU nacemos ciudadanos americanos y ellos pueden jugar aquí y nosotros allá , y deportistas deciden siendo boricuas si tus padres nacen PR y naciste NY o Florida eres boricua misma ciudadanía naces en PR eres ciudadano americano igual no traemos extranjeros ni vamos jugar país extranjero somos los mismos parte de EU pero a diferencia 50 estados tener auton mía deportiva otras áreas tenemos comité olímpico a parte pero ser ciudadano EU todos , los allá y acá decidimos competir EU si tenemos oportunidad por conviene en algún momento o por PR se siente es por tu nación y es deber hacerlo eso decide el jugador pero opción es , peloteros son de PR compite mundial equipo EU recuerdo uno compitió un mundial EU otro mundial estuvo equipo de PR así somos no parece resto mundo logré entender eso no trajimos extranjeros , son ciudadanos americanos igual q nacemos PR y de padres boricuas o criaron EU pero hay boricuas también no han salido de PR , aunque tenemos boricuas NBA

[@DRockafella4life]

And then Puerto Rico happens 👏🏼I never heard anybody say Puerto Rico the way you said it !!! That is the proper way of pronouncing ,as a Puerto Rican myself I wish I could say it like !! I guess bc your European came out correctly.. and I know a lot of Puerto Rican that can’t even pronounce it as well !! Thank you for sharing our victory !! Hope we win it all !!!

[@arkblazer1]

Hey now, then proper pronunciation is "Puelto Rico."

[@Greekwarrior0920]

Such a shame that Latvia and Lithuania didn't qualify for the Olympics. They both have great basketball culture.

[@HurleyGonzalez]

Blame FIBA and the International Olympic Committee. For, allowing territories to compete in international sporting events. Otherwise Puerto Rico wouldn’t be eligible.

[@todazrpsk8]

literally the big basketball culture lik ex Yugoslavia. Look at Serbia ,how much they are struggling, traying hard to get out of the mud and reorganize.. all the best ind the future.

[@andrewsandoval1383]

Seems that Latvia and Lithuania could both use a naturalized player. But both countries have too much pride to do that, to their detriment.

[@Tokenfox1]

​@@andrewsandoval1383Whole naturalization thing is stupid, but yes if everyone does it, ig we have no choice.

[@01ment]

@@todazrpsk8 Serbia is something else. Cannot really compare to anyone in this world. Just look at the upcoming Olympics, we have men's national team, women's national team and 3x3 men's team who are multiple world champions.

[@AlexDejesus-vi2zz]

Puerto Rico send a normal Team they didnt do a pickupos s all star they send “criollos de Caguas “not an all star

[@luisrzengotita]

🇵🇷🇵🇷🔥☝🏽

[@roladamn]

Excusas y más excusas

[@edgardonieves387]

Le pertimos el c- -0😂

[@Diazhjucarlos3479]

PR has american citizen is part USA a PR player come to USA is american citizen too , is same citizens same country , but puertorrican live PR florida california a NY are PR equilibrio live in the Islands has same american citizens because is US but has olimpic player autonomy

[@latinoman1868]

And if we become a state we lose that sport’autonomy’ you’re talking about .

[@Diazhjucarlos3479]

@@latinoman1868 Que autonomía ? Equipo PR es de EU ? La medalla oro tenis es EU la de pista Camacho es de EU ? Qué autobús es esa necesitas compita gente entrene EU para ganar ? Mejor se estado tienes recursos más atletas entrenen ganen olimpiadas él se destaca lo hará será boricua igual Gigi Fernández ganó por EU o vasallo por EU eran primeros boricuas ganar oro tenis y natación aunque compitiera EU su crianza fue PR y mérito es mismo o son menos atletas que gringos están compitiendo por PR ?

[@jancymarrerovargas4238]

🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@THEWZRD1]

I think Lithuania's main problem is that their best players never lived there. Sabonis and Buzelis never lived there. I dont hear about any local players

[@DelijeSerbia]

Just please dont get foreigners and ruin another real national team.

[@jeancruz9834]

Damn, excuses for 6 minutes straight 🤣

[@otacmakarije352]

In conclusion it is an embarasssment for liteuva..they should have beat puerto rico 10-15point diff. Lietuva sucks ass. It is time for complete rebuild. And dont call Sabonis anymore. He is usless.

[@melazaconsabor2028]

Making excuses. Unexpected? For who? 😂😂😂😂😂 🇵🇷💪💯 Puerto Rico Basketball history is longer and bigger than Lithuania. Puerto Rico figured out Lithuanian game and European defense.

[@artmusicfoodlifelive1685]

lithuania lost that game coz puerto rico was playing at home and refs allow puerto rico players play agressive and hard without calling them for fouls...simple

[@tavoelbori4932]

😭😭you need a shoulder to cry😂

[@HurleyGonzalez]

Puerto Rico shouldn’t be there, they would lose to Luka and Slovenia for that final spot. Also, it’s not even Puerto Rico 9 out of 12 of their roster are USA-born.

[@aidansmith266]

In a sense, all 12 are US born, because Puerto Rico is a US territory. There’s a huge Puerto Rican diaspora in the mainland US because of how awful the treatment of Puerto Rico has been over the last century. The infrastructure is bad, the government is hamstrung by federal interference, and Puerto Ricans cannot vote if they live on the island.

[@gabepizza]

they are all of Puerto Rician heritage though

[@YoungVDL]

Technically all Puerto Ricans are USA citizens, still though all of the players in the NT besides Romero, are of Puerto Rican heritage

[@HurleyGonzalez]

@@aidansmith266Puerto Rico is not an independent country it’s a USA territory and commonwealth. But, in international sporting events specifically. FIBA and the International Olympic Committee view Puerto Rico as a separate entity/country. Of the USA. So, if the entire intention is to be Puerto Rican and not American. Why does Puerto Rico select USA-born players to represent their country?😂

[@01ment]

Doesn't Puerto Rico want to be a part of the USA? Which basically (not formally) is for decades...

[@mzarectah]

Lithuania still lives in the illusion that it’s the 90’s and that it is a basketball powerhouse that can still compete for a medal. Those days are long over. Basketball is so much more popular now, the competition much stiffer. Countries that didn’t know what to do with a basketball are now producing great talent. Countries that were decent back then are now producing ELITE talent. Basketball is truly a worldwide sport now, but somehow everyone in Lithuania is still in shock that a small country can’t compete. All I’m saying it’s time to take of the rose tinted glasses as painful as that may be 🫤

[@arkblazer1]

Funnilly enough all you said applies to PR. In a very real sense PR is the lithuania of the americas.

[@Ayo_m3lo]

🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷