Jonas valanciunas in lkl all star game 2012
The Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) holds its All-Star Game once every year. The participants are chosen in two ways: the first is via fan ballot, with the leading vote recipients at each position starting the game; secondly the reserves are chosen by a vote among the head coaches of each squad. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players. If a player is injured and cannot participate, the commissioner will select a replacement.
Contents
Features
The All-Star Game is played under normal FIBA rules, but there are notable differences from an average game.
The player introductions are usually accompanied by a significant amount of fanfare, including lighting effects, dance music, and pyrotechnics. Special uniforms are designed for the game each year, usually green for the Lithuanians and white for the Time Team. A major recording artist typically sings the national anthem prior to tipoff.
Gameplay usually involves players attempting spectacular slam dunks and alley oops. Defensive effort is limited and the final score of the game is generally much higher than an average LKL game. The coaches also try to give most of the reserve players some time on the court instead of using a limited rotation as they would in a normal game. The fourth quarter of the game is often played in a more competitive fashion if the game is close.
Halftime is also longer than a typical LKL game due to musical performances by various artists.
Every few years, LKL alternates matches from Lietuviai and Time Team (Lietuviai being the All-Star Lithuanian team and Time Team being the All-Star foreigner team) to Vilkai and Ereliai (two teams of mixed foreign and Lithuanian players).
Other events
The All-Star Game is the featured event of All-Star Day, which also includes a number of popular exhibition games and competitions featuring LKL players.