Interesting read. Here's a glimpse...
The most difficult aspect of evaluating Toronto Raptors’ draft pick Jonas Valanciunas before the draft was his level of competition. Unlike his American counterparts, he turned pro at 16, competing against grown men instead of amateurs.
He was a 19-year-old role player on his club team (Lietuvos Rytas) last season, playing 14 minutes per game and rarely having much offense run for him. The vast majority of his points came off rebounds, hustle plays and cuts to the basket.
But in the FIBA U-19 World Championships earlier this month, Valanciunas was given the opportunity to be a primary offensive option and compete against his age group. His dominant performance, leading Lithuania to the championship and earning the tournament MVP, showed why he might become the steal of the 2011 draft.
At 6’11, 240 with a 7’6 wingspan, Valanciunas takes up a lot of space on the court; his length, foot-speed and energy level make him an extremely effective interior defender. In contrast to the stereotype surrounding many European big men, he defends the rim with tenacity and isn’t afraid to bang down-low.
Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/article...#ixzz1S0uV5xHc
He was a 19-year-old role player on his club team (Lietuvos Rytas) last season, playing 14 minutes per game and rarely having much offense run for him. The vast majority of his points came off rebounds, hustle plays and cuts to the basket.
But in the FIBA U-19 World Championships earlier this month, Valanciunas was given the opportunity to be a primary offensive option and compete against his age group. His dominant performance, leading Lithuania to the championship and earning the tournament MVP, showed why he might become the steal of the 2011 draft.
At 6’11, 240 with a 7’6 wingspan, Valanciunas takes up a lot of space on the court; his length, foot-speed and energy level make him an extremely effective interior defender. In contrast to the stereotype surrounding many European big men, he defends the rim with tenacity and isn’t afraid to bang down-low.
Read more: http://basketball.realgm.com/article...#ixzz1S0uV5xHc
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