Lithuania taps three NBA players for 2027 World Cup qualifiers; Sabonis sidelined
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Chicago forward Matas Buzelis, Denver center Jonas Valančiūnas and Miami guard Kasparas Jakucionis headline Lithuania’s 15-man squad for next month’s opening window of 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying.
The roster was unveiled Friday in Vilnius. Absent is Sacramento center Domantas Sabonis, who is still recovering from season-ending knee surgery performed in February.
Currently 2-2 in Group D, Lithuania hosts Great Britain on July 2 before visiting Italy on July 5. A top-three finish in the four-team group is needed to reach the secondary qualifying stage.
Croatia confirms familiar faces
Croatia also released its list Friday, anchored by Indiana center Ivica Zubac and New Orleans forward Karlo Matković. Former NBA first-round picks Mario Hezonja and Dario Šarić round out the marquee names. Having already secured a place in the next round, Croatia travels to Cyprus on July 3 and hosts Israel on July 6.
EuroLeague notes
Veteran guard Jordan Loyd, 32, is close to finalizing an extension with Turkish club Anadolu Efes after joining the team last summer, according to multiple sources.
On the coaching front, former NBA head coach Dave Joerger is negotiating to take over Paris Basketball. Joerger, who compiled a 245-247 record across three seasons with Memphis and three with Sacramento, had also been under consideration at Australia’s Melbourne United.
Source: Hoops Rumors
