I sat down with Gabas Maldunas '15 to discuss the early stages of Dartmouth's basketball season, Lithuania's national obsession with the game and his ultimate aspirations as a basketball player.
How's the season going so far? After finishing off a tough road trip, how's the team trying to move forward in the future?
GM: The future is looking bright because we're a young team and we're only just starting to click, having been on the road for a lot of the season. But the team is putting the pieces together and we're building a strong team chemistry. So as we play more, we should get better. We're definitely looking forward to the start of the Ivy League season.
You don't seem to be having any problems contributing individually. You're leading the team in points, rebounds, blocks and steals. What have you been doing personally to up the ante?
GM: I actually think I've been having a rough season. It's been really up and down and I'm not happy with that. Even though I'm leading the team in those categories, it doesn't say a lot because I could do a lot better and the team could do a lot better.
Basketball has been described as Lithuania's second religion. How would you frame Lithuania's relationship with basketball?
GM: That statement is correct, for sure. If you came to Lithuania, you'd see hoops in every neighborhood. From the age of six of seven, every little kid is always playing basketball. I started when I was seven and, really, every Lithuanian you talk to knows basketball. I'd say it's bigger than football in America.
Your last year in Lithuania before coming to the states, you were a 6'4" freshman, right?
GM: Yeah, something like that.
So, when you were just walking around on the street, would random people come up to you assuming you were the future of Lithuanian basketball?
GM: Well, yeah. When I was younger it happened sometimes, but it especially happens now when I go home for the summer [Maldunas stands at a towering 6'8"]. People just walk up to me and ask if I play basketball and where I play. They really expect a lot from me.
I bet they do. The head of the Lithuanian national basketball organization seems to think that sending players to America hampers their development. Is there really that much of a difference in the approaches to youth basketball between Europe and the States?
GM: It's actually really different. In Europe, you have to make a choice between education and basketball. It's really hard to balance both. One of the main reasons I left was so that I could pursue an education while playing basketball. That's why the Lithuanian coaches think going to America doesn't help a player as much as staying home. Overall though, I think it definitely helps to come play in America. You become smarter and you end up trying new things. I had to play a few different sports when I came to high school in New Hampshire, and those experiences helped me become a better basketball player, too.
Do you think that there's a real difference in the styles of play in Europe and America?
GM: Yeah, the styles are different. When a friend of mine from the States came and visited Lithuania last summer, we played pickup with some random kids and he was really surprised. Regular guys who don't play competitive basketball were just dunking. He also was pretty surprised at how well Lithuanians move the ball, even in pickup games. In the U.S., there's more of a focus on the individual, while in Europe it's more team-oriented basketball. We're generally not as good of athletes so we've got a focus on improving our skills.
When you complete your Dartmouth degree, do you have your sights set on playing professionally back in Europe?
GM: As of now, I'd really like to play in Europe and pursue a basketball career. That's definitely my hope after I finish up at Dartmouth.
