![]() ![]() "These young guys can call us titans, dinosaurs, veterans, and whatever they want," Jankunas smiled, asked to describe his matchup with Printezis. However, Jankunas significantly improved in the second part of the season and surprisingly decided to continue for one more year. That was supposed to be the final season of Jankunas pro journey. A Lithuanian producer followed Jankunas to almost every game and practice to shoot a documentary about his career. He might surprise everybody again!" Zalgiris players joked. ![]() "You sure it was the last one? Just be careful with Jankunas. "They're titans!" Edgaras Ulanovas, passing by, described this historical matchup with a smile. Lithuanians beat Greeks twice in that tournament, including the bronze medal game. Their first-ever matchup was in 2004, FIBA U20 European Championship in Brno. ![]() The Lithuanian prospect was four years old when Jankunas and Printezis faced each other for the first time in the EuroLeague. "Uuuuu," Zalgiris center Marek Blazevic was surprised when I told him who I was waiting for a quick chat in the Zalgirio arena corridor. Jankunas is first with 387 appearances, Printezis follows second with 363. They even lead the EuroLeague in all-time games played. They're both longtime captains of their teams. Printezis, who spent two years in Malaga (2009-11), wore red and white for 17 EuroLeague seasons. In 2009, he signed with Khimki but soon returned to his hometown. Jankunas became the face of Zalgiris wearing green and white for 18 years. Printezis and Jankunas, both 37 (although Jankunas, born in 1984, is one year older), appeared at least once in 19 EuroLeague seasons. They both are very skilled, physical, and loyal high IQ power forwards. He followed Sofoklis Schortsanitis (25 PTS), and Tyus Edney (16 PTS, 6 AST), who led Olympiacos, coached by Jonas Kazlauskas, to a Top-16 victory 78-69. Their never-ending hustle in the low post started on March 2, 2006, when Zalgiris visited Olympiacos in Piraeus.Ģ1-year-old Jankunas, surrounded by Darjus Lavrinovic (13 PTS), Tanoka Beard (7 PTS), Kenny Anderson, and Jonas Maciulis (both 6 PTS), was the top scorer of Zalgiris (15 PTS).Īnother 21-year-old power forward, Printezis, went scoreless in 11 minutes. But Jankunas already publicly confirmed that it's his farewell year. Printezis didn't announce if that was his last season in professional basketball. It lasted for 37 seconds in Olympiacos' victory over Zalgiris 84-73. Jankunas was benched, and that was the last time we saw the iconic EuroLeague matchup. The ultimate fight for every square meter has never changed between these two. Zalgiris captain pulled Printezis jersey and quickly got the rebound. The Greek grabbed Jankunas' arm to put himself in a better position. Seconds later, they both went for a rebound. Jankunas wouldn't be Jankunas if he wouldn't push Printezis with his left hand denying his opponent from receiving the ball even before the ball was inbounded. ![]()
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