Simas Jasaitis set to follow Spahija to Maccabi Tel Aviv

"I have had many offers, but have now made a decision," said the Lithuanian forward to Lietuvos Rytas.

By ALLON SINAI
Simas Jasaitis 88 (photo credit: )
Simas Jasaitis 88
(photo credit: )
Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius's Simas Jasaitis appeared to be on his way to Maccabi Tel Aviv this week after confirming to a Lithuanian newspaper that he has decided to join the Israeli champions. "I have had many offers, but have now made a decision," said the Lithuanian forward to Lietuvos Rytas, which also is the name sponsor of the team Jasaitis seems to be leaving. "I have decided to join the team whose coach I know the best." Jasaitis was referring to Neven Spahija, coach at the Lithuanian champions before being hired by Maccabi Tel Aviv last week. The 24-year-old Jasaitis would be Spahija's first signing as coach of the yellow-and-blue and the second Lithuanian player to play in Tel Aviv after Sarunas Jasikevicius. Jasaitis could take Anthony Parker's place in Maccabi's starting five with the 2005/06 Euroleague MVP reportedly set to sign with the Toronto Raptors in the next few days. According to reports, Parker and the struggling NBA team have agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal.