Lithuania victory at Eurobasket 2011 > 20th-century Russian geopolitics

April 12, 2010

If there were any doubt anywhere in the world as to the level of insanity that is basketball obsession fandom, a crack by Lithuanian prime minister Andrius Kubilius on Russia-based RT.com should dispel any underestimation of the power of roundball in the Baltic country.

Amidst what was ostensibly an interview about Lithuania’s “stance on Europe and their stable economy,” Kubilius took the chance to equate 20th-century Russian/Soviet political dominance with 21st-century hoops. The exchange went like this:

RT.com: But still Lithuania is very skeptical and cautious about any decision that comes out of Russia. When you think about it – the interests our two countries don’t really clash, either economically or politically, so why are you so cautious about Russia?

Kubilius: Well, you know, we had sometimes very interesting and I should say sometimes very difficult history. If to look back into starting from, you know, end of 18th Century – we were suffering because of how Russia was behaving in this region and we are very sensitive of course, but we see very good progress and very positive signals, and I think the relations between Lithuania and Russia can be very practical, very pragmatic. And especially if we are able to win the [FIBA Eurobasket 2011] European basketball championship in Vilnius next year against Russia! So, everything will be OK.

Anyone still wondering why hoops are so important in Lithuania?

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This post was published on April 12, 2010