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LTU - Macijauskas buzzing about Hornets move

NEW ORLEANS (NBA) - Lithuanian shooting guard Arvydas Macijauskas did not need to think twice about leaving top Spanish side Tau Ceramica to make the move to the NBA.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Hornets with the option of extending it for a third season.

Yet despite helping Tau reach the final of last year's Euroleague and the ACB play-offs, Macijauskas insists he has no regrets about his decision.

"Everyone who plays in Europe, in the Euroleague or in lesser competitions dreams of going to the NBA," he told El Correo Digital.

"Of course, playing with a club like Tau, who aspire to win everything, is marvellous and also satisfying, but this was my dream.

"I'll always remember Vitoria and Tau, but this was the step I wanted to make," said Macijauskas.

"It is hard to say 'no' to an offer like this because they offer very good contracts and the chance to play with the best.

"Anyhow, I am only 25 and I have the chance to come back to Europe if things don't work out," he explained.

Macijauskas added that agreeing terms with the Hornets had been a straightforward affair.

"I know they were following me for a while, although they were not the only ones. We had a couple of conversations and I decided New Orleans was the best destination for me," he continued.

The Lithuanian international is also undeterred by having to adapt to a different style of basketball or the fact that the Hornets were not at their best last season.

"It's true they didn't do well, but I think they have made good signings this year. They have brought in young players, who can play hard and fast basketball," Macijauskas added.

"I think that in the NBA there are a couple of teams way above the rest and everyone else is pretty even, also if I had gone to a bigger club, I may have spent more time on the bench.

"Everything in the NBA is different to our basketball. It is harder, stronger and there is more contact...it is difficult, but I will prepare well to find my place.

"I remember when we (Lithuania) played the Americans in Athens, (2004) they were young and strong, but they didn't blow us away or anything like that," he added.

http://www.fiba.com/pages/en/news/la...s=8636&r_cat=8