The Lithuanian basketball team "Rytas" is set to face its rivals in the Champions League, but with a significant change in coaching. Predrag Kruničius, formerly of the German team EWE Baskets Oldenburg, has officially taken over as head coach of the Israeli club. This comes after Yoav Shamir was dismissed from his position on February 8. According to journalist Oren Shked, Shamir was offered a role as an assistant coach but declined the offer.

Kruničius' appointment follows a tough season in Germany where he was let go in December. His expertise will be vital for the team as they prepare for the upcoming match against Hapoel on February 10 at 20:30 Lithuanian time. The pressure is on for "Rytas" as they seek a crucial away victory to enhance their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

As the new head coach, Kruničius faces the immediate challenge of revitalizing the team dynamics and performance ahead of a vital encounter. This situation highlights the volatility in coaching roles within professional sports, as results can lead to quick changes in leadership. The upcoming game will be critical not just for the team's standing, but also for Kruničius to establish his authority and vision for the team's future.