After two seasons, Zalgiris Kaunas has said goodbye to Sylvain Francisco. Following the team’s Lithuanian Basketball League championship victory, Zalgiris TV put together a compilation of the French guard’s best and funniest moments in Kaunas, including the ankle-breaking move that sent Alex Abrines back to Catalonia, his game-winning shot against Rytas, spectacular dunks, and several entertaining moments away from the basketball court.
The full video is now available on the Zalgiris YouTube channel.
By following the provided link, fans can also watch Francisco's farewell message to Zalgiris supporters.
“Goosebumps. It was incredible. We were down by 16 points, came back, and could have finished the game even earlier, but we committed some silly fouls. I remember the coach telling me that it was time for my magic, and I was ready for it. They already wanted to celebrate the title, and I took that away from them. Even before the game, I could see the championship in my mind and told myself they would not celebrate here, we would celebrate in Kaunas, and the title would stay in Kaunas. That’s why that shot felt out of this world. I still watch that clip because I work extremely hard to make sure I don't miss when I'm in those situations,” Francisco said while recalling the 2024-25 championship series.
Francisco also reacted to his memorable dunks against Virtus Bologna and over Tarık Biberovic.
“He wanted to jump and definitely wasn’t expecting it. Many people are surprised that I can rise up and dunk like that. I always tell my taller teammates that when they get the ball in the paint, they should try to dunk because it increases the chance of drawing a foul. Of course, I’m shorter, so I know that when I attempt a dunk, I’ll probably get fouled. This dunk was amazing. I remember telling myself that I had to try it. Even if it hadn’t worked, maybe it still would have energized the entire team. I have a photo of that dunk at home, it’s crazy,” Francisco said while discussing what many considered the best dunk of the EuroLeague season.
Francisco also watched some of the lighter moments from his time at Zalgiris, including clips of him singing and performing his pregame routine with Arnas Butkevicius.
“I know we look silly, but I loved it. That’s how bonds between teammates are created. Arnas and I are very close, and I think you need things like that before games to get everyone going together. People may not fully understand it, but it prepares you for the game and helps you get emotionally energized,” the Frenchman explained.
Finally, Francisco shared the backstory behind his 100th point, his sushi-related tradition, and revealed how the team’s victory celebrations with the Green White Boys supporters group began.
