Lithuania's Jonas Valanciunas ready for tougher opponents in second round

Lithuania's Jonas Valanciunas said he is ready for whoever they will face in the second round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Lithuania topped Group D after dominating Montenegro, 91-71, on Tuesday in their final first round match at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Previously, Lithuania defeated Egypt, 93-67, and Mexico, 96-66. 

"Now we have really tough opponents coming up," said Valanciunas after their win over Montenegro. "It's going to be even harder. We're going to play even better, but we're capable."

Who do they prefer for their second round matchup? Greece or New Zealand? Lithuania’s Jonas Valanciunas answers #FIBAWC @gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/iBz4VpPjYh

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) August 29, 2023

Lithuania is now waiting for the winner of the match between New Zealand and Greece slated for Wednesday to determine who will join them in Group J with the United States, which is also assured of a slot in the next round.

"Who's in front of us, we gotta play hard. There's no weak teams in the World Cup," Valanciunas said.

"Every team is capable. Every team is strong so I don't pick opponents, we gotta play against everybody."

They will start their second round games on Friday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News