Valanciunas challenges basketball chief Balciunas to step down over patriotism claims

During a recent interview, Jonas Valanciunas turned criticism of players who stayed abroad onto federation president Balciunas, questioning his loyalty to Lithuania. He asked Balciunas why he would not quit if the country's basketball is suffering. Valanciunas said he would be willing to leave the national team himself if it helped improve the sport, framing his stance as patriotic. The remarks highlight ongoing tension between the national team and its governing body.