Astana set for friendly matches in Baku

Astana are travelling to Azerbaijan for two friendly games against Baku-based Sabah on 4 and 6 April.

The trip comes at an important time for the team. With a break in both the National League and WASL schedules, the friendlies will give Astana valuable game time, helping the players stay sharp, assess their current form, and continue building chemistry ahead of the decisive stage of the season.

The travelling squad includes Askar Maidyekin, Ruslan Aitkali, Vadim Shcherbak, Rustam Murzagaliyev, Alexander Zhigulin, Robert Pan, Amirali Suleimenov, Sardal Abashidze, Alexander Orazbekov, E.J. Day, Adas Juškevičius, and Kamron Blue.

Sabah are one of Azerbaijan’s most ambitious clubs. Based in Baku, they compete in the Azerbaijan Basketball League and have become regular contenders near the top of the domestic standings in recent years.

The team blends strong local players with a deep group of imports, giving them a fast, athletic style built around aggressive defence, quick transitions, and perimeter shooting. Backed by a lively home crowd in Baku, Sabah are a tough opponent on their own court.

For Astana, the games are a useful opportunity to keep them in shape and test themselves against an organised, motivated team beyond the domestic league.

Adas Juškevičius, Astana shooting guard:

“We have two friendlies against Sabah coming up, and at this stage we don’t know too much about them yet. I do know their coaching staff well. Their head coach, Rimas Kurtinaitis, also coaches the Lithuanian national team and is my former coach, and his assistant, Aurimas Jasilionis, is also someone I know very well.

We’ll start preparing in more detail soon — watching video, studying their style, and getting a better feel for the team. We already know they have a lot of imports, around eight, along with some of the best local players.

These won’t be easy games, but that’s exactly what we need before the National League playoffs. We’re preparing as usual: training twice a day, working hard, getting tired, but we’re ready for the challenge.

For me personally, these games are important. I missed several league games because of injury, so I’ve really missed playing. I feel good now, I’m fully recovered, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the court.”