LAKTASI (Bosnia and Herzegovina) - "Wearing the Rytas jersey is a great honor. It means a lot to represent a club with a proud history and passionate fans," said Rytas Vilnius captain Kornelijus Snitka.
Along with point guard Gabrielius Buivydas, they are the only two players remaining from last year's back-to-back championship team.
Buivydas maintains that there is a culture at Rytas that won't stand for anything less than the same levels as we've seen the last two years in the YBCL.
"Rytas is competitive because the club has high standards, and everyone works hard. The players and coaches are fully committed, and we stay united as a team. That is what helps us to be strong every season and achieve good results," he stated.
And indeed, with Rytas reaching the Semi-Finals in the senior BCL this year, there has never been more demand to live up to the culture that comes with pulling on that famous red jersey.
Those standards are non-negotiables that can't be switched on or off. If you represent Rytas Vilnius, you understand what's required at all times.
"Every time we play, we want to show our best and make the club proud, especially in big competitions like this one," Buivydas continued.
Those standards have been clear to see across this whole team in this year's event. After knocking over EWE Baskets Oldenburg and Galatasaray MCT Technic in the Group Phase, Rytas have averaged over 100 points scored and won the two games with an average points difference of over 40 points.
They are shooting 55 percent from the field as a team and 41.5 percent from behind the arc.
Every shot is created as a team, from within the system. There is no need for anyone to put themselves above the team, as evidenced by their average of 26 assists per game.
Buivydas and Snitka, as the culture carriers and standard bearers from the championship squad, lead the team in minutes played at 22.8 and 22.3, respectively.
Buivydas is the team's joint top scorer with Jonas Tivokas on 14 points per game. He has also added 8 assists on 55-40-80 shooting splits.
Snitka leads the team emotionally and can be seen regularly talking to the younger members of the team.
And yet, his numbers are equally impressive: 13.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 1.5 steals on 57-43-73 shooting splits. At this stage of the event, both players have a solid claim to be in the conversation for MVP.
However, neither player has anything other than winning on their mind.
"Last year, I learned that teamwork, focus, and hard work are the most important things. I try to share that with my teammates - if we support each other and stay disciplined, we can reach our goals together."
But this team isn't the same as last year. There is no Ignas Urbonas to draw the attention and soak up the pressure to perform.
This year, Rytas will need to take the responsibility across the roster if they are to complete the three-peat.
"This team is different from last year, but I believe in us. We have experience and new talent, and if we stay focused, work hard, and play together, we can be very successful and maybe even do better than last year," Snitka explained.
Standing in their way is this year's underdog story, Telekom Baskets Bonn. The Germans won the senior BCL in 2023 and entered the YBCL for the first time last season.
After coming through a group with perennial Semi-Finalists, Tofas Bursa, they are battle-tested after a tightly fought first game against Spartak Office Shoes. Rytas will be the favorites, but Bonn won't lie down for anyone.
"The Semi-Finals will be a tough challenge, but we are ready. We need to stay focused, play our game, and give everything on the court. If we do that, we have a chance to reach the Final," said Buivydas.
The game tips off at 17:30 CET on Saturday, April 11. With Rytas new generation on display, and a Bonn squad constructed with athleticism and playmaking ability, this is not one you will want to miss.