Lithuania have launched their preparations for the EuroBasket in Druskininkai and the country’s hottest name is battling for a place in the squad.

Jonas Valanciunas, the MVP of the U19 FIBA World Championship in Latvia, is the youngest of the 20 players in the preliminary group.

Lithuania coach Kestutis Kemzura believes that despite the quick return to the court after the success in Riga, where Valanciunas led the country to the gold medal, the 2.10m center will be able to cope.

"Take into account the fact that he only had one week to recover after the World Cup," Kemzura said.

"Jonas Valanciunas has already reached a certain peak athletic form, played a lot of games.

"After this exercise at a young age, he is recovering quickly and is with the team but we're trying not to put too much on him."