A familiar face was back in Kalnapilio Arena for 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys on Wednesday, none other than power forward Gediminas Orelik, who returned to the team earlier this month and made the difference in a crucial 92-88 home win against Mincidelice JL Bourg en Bresse.
Orelik already played for Lietkabelis last season, averaging 15.4 points on 41.4% three-point shooting, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and a PIR of 16.5, helping his team reach the playoffs. Orelik continued his career in Turkey but returned to Lietkabelis in early 2023, getting 8 points and 6 rebounds against ratiopharm Ulm last week.
In his first EuroCup game in Panevezys in many months, however, Orelik was ready: he knew the rims, the atmosphere and most of his teammates, so it was natural for him to stand out and play a leading role.
"I think it is easier for me [to adjust] because I was here last year with the same coaching staff, same everything," Orelik said after the game. "So for me, it is easier to adapt."