Krapikas replaces Stombergas as Zalgiris’ head coach 0

Following several losses in the Lithuanian League, the Lithuanian Cup and the Turkish Airlines Euroleague, Saulius Stombergas has resigned as Zalgiris Kaunas’s head coach.

Stombergas, age 40, was promoted to the head coach spot in late October and allowed the team to make it to the Top 16. Zalgiris is currently fourth in the Lithuanian League with a 12-5 record. It has a 1-12 record in Top 16 Group F and lost against BC Prienai in the Lithuanian Cup final four.

Another former Zalgiris player, Gintaras Krapikas, has been promoted to the head coach spot for the remainder of the season. Krapikas, age 52, already coached Zalgiris during some months between 2008-09 and 2009-10, as well as being the team’s assistant coach for seven full seasons.

He also coached Azovmash Mariupol for two months in 2011-12 and has also worked for the Lithuanian national team as assistant coach, too.

“The situation is not easy but there is no way back. Coaches, players and fans have to make an effort to make Zalgiris stand on its feet,” Krapikas said. “For the next two months, we really have to fight to avoid burying the season. It will not be easy, but this is Zalgiris and we must overcome all difficulties.”