BASKETBALL SCHOOL "TORNADO" A Renewed Tornado KM II - “Alburnus” Begins a New Chapter
This season will look very different for the 2010-born Tornado KM II - “Alburnus” team. The roster has changed significantly – several players from last season moved up to join the first Tornado KM - “Stora Enso” team, creating more room for the remaining players to take on new roles, greater responsibility and leadership.
Emilijus Petrauskas’ team will continue to compete in the MKL C Division, but this season the focus will not be only on the standings. The challenge for the coach is to rebuild the team, find its playing identity and help every player take an individual step forward.
The boys have already played their first game of the season away from home, and tonight they will face their next opponents on their home court.
– The team has definitely changed a lot this season, so the most important thing now is to rebuild the core, find the best connection between the players and help each of them understand his role.
I see an opportunity for some of the boys to step forward, take more initiative and become more important leaders both on and off the court. A renewed roster also creates opportunities for players who previously had smaller roles to take on greater responsibility now.
– Results are definitely not our main priority this season. The team has changed substantially – as many as 12 players changed after last season. Some chose other teams, while others stopped playing basketball altogether.
So the most important thing now is to rebuild our team play, develop chemistry and find the right place for every player. Of course, we want to win every game, but this season our biggest focus will be on progress, mutual understanding and becoming more competitive.
As the season goes on, we want to become a more solid team capable of challenging every opponent. If we manage that, the results will come naturally as a consequence of the work we put in.
– I would like every one of them to keep their love for basketball, the desire to improve and the enjoyment of being part of a team. Both the boys and I understand very well that not everyone will become a professional basketball player, so it is important that sport continues to bring them joy and motivation to move forward.
It matters to me that they come to practice not only because they have to, but because they genuinely want to be there. I want them to stay interested, feel the support of their teammates and see their own progress.
Basketball provides much more than sporting skills – it teaches responsibility, discipline, communication and teamwork. Even if not everyone chooses professional sport in the future, those experiences and qualities will remain with them.
I hope the boys will continue to want to stay active, enjoy the game and take away not only basketball experience from this stage, but also good memories and friendships.
In the new season, the story of Tornado KM II is essentially beginning again. Results will of course remain important, but just as important will be how quickly the boys become a team, build trust in one another and make the most of the opportunities now open to them. And the opportunity to move up to the first team is already within reach – it simply has to be earned through work on the court.
