The Hawk

Issue date: 11/10/06 Section: Sports

Lidzius at first did not like basketball.

Artur Surov wants to make his senior year the best yet.

The date was July 2, 1995 in Athens, Greece.

Lithuania was facing off against Eastern European rival Yugoslavia in the European Basketball Championship game.

An 11-year-old boy in Kretniga, Lithuania was watching his namesake, Arvydas Sabonis, dominate the competition.

Sabonis, the Lithuanian center, had averaged 24 points and 14 rebounds in the nine-game tournament, but his stellar play made an impact far away from the court.

The boy back in Lithuania, who hated playing basketball as a child, discovered the inspiration to love the game.

This young boy was Arvydas Lidzius, now junior small forward for the Saint Joseph's Men's Basketball team.

Lidzius did not enjoy the game of basketball as a child, being forced to play by his parents. He would reluctantly go to practice and despise playing in the games.

"I would never want to play basketball, but my parents always took me to practice and made me compete in the games," Lidzius explained.

The struggle to play the game that he would later grow to love became much easier after watching his country compete in the 1995 European Basketball Championship game.

"When I watched Lithuania play in that game, I realized that basketball could be something that I liked, and I wanted to keep playing it."

Lidzius kept playing through his early teenage years and became a target for American scouts.

He was recruited by Montrose Christian High School in the Washington D.C. metro area and came to the United States to play the game he had grown to love.

As Montrose Christian's sixth man, Lidzius and the five starters, who all went on to play for Division I schools, posted a 20-1 record in their senior season.

Coming to St. Joe's in 2003, Lidzius saw action in 20 games as a freshman, followed up by 17 games in his sophomore year. Sitting out this past season to concentrate on academics, Lidzius is poised to make an impact for this young team in his junior year.

"I see myself as a defensive stopper who can also contribute on the offensive end," said Lidzius.

With the right size, at 6'9" and 205 lbs., Lidzius has the skill and determination to make a serious impact this year.

"I have been working on my shot as well as my inside game. I just want to contribute to the team in any way possible."

Lidzius is fresh after sitting out a year and has valuable experience to relay to the potent freshman class.

As well as Arvydas' helpful advice, the young players can turn upward to the Hawks' lone senior.

Artur Surov has experienced nearly everything during his four years at St. Joe's. He has been through the highs of the 2003-2004 season and the lows of injuries and struggling seasons.

Being the tallest player in Saint Joseph's history, the 7'1" Surov is ready to take a leadership role this season.

Growing up in Helsinki, Finland, Surov began playing basketball at the age of nine.

Like Arvydas, it took a while for Surov to develop his appreciation for the game of basketball.

"I had a very good coach when I was young that helped me develop in the area of basketball and taught me many of the basic skills that I have now," said Surov.

Surov was constantly faced with challenges throughout his basketball career.

"As a 14-year-old, I would always have to play against kids who were three or four years older than me on my club teams and even older men, but they helped prepare my game."

The challenge that Surov faces now is entirely different. As the only senior on the team, Surov must help foster the skills of the talented younger players.

"I try to be as outspoken as I can on the court and tell the young guys to keep trying, even if the coaches are yelling at them."

This new role for Surov will not be easy. Quiet by nature, Surov must help the young players mature, as it is fundamental for the success of the team this year.

"Anything I can do for this team, I will try to do, either on the court or off it."

The willingness to help the team in any way possible reflects the mentality of both Surov and Lidzius. Though not initially enamored with the game of basketball at early ages, their love of the game is now easy to see.

Coming from foreign countries has not been easy, but both Arvydas Lidzius and Artur Surov know that the rare opportunity has been given to them.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools