Donn Nelson Jr. has been honored with the Commander Grand Cross (the nation's top honor) by the office of Lithuanian President Rolandas Paksas for his contributions to Lithuanian men's national basketball team during their quest in winning the European Championship this past summer.

Nelson, who's an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks, played the same role with the Lithuania national team, which won its first title since 1939 with a 93:84 win over Gasol-led Spain in the finals. Nelson had been the assistant coach since the country first separated from the USSR in 1992, and had taken part in winning 3 Olympic bronze medals.

The remainder of the national team received the same honor in September, shortly after triumphantly returning from the competition in Sweden.

Translated by Davor Nincic (ORL).