Anybody worried about whether Jonas Valanciunas (6'11''-C-92) would play for the Toronto Raptors this season can rest easy.
The Lithuanian big mans buyout has been completed and the Raptors announced on Wednesday that the prized rookie, selected fifth overall in 2011, is now under his rookie scale contract.
Valanciunas, 20, stayed in his native Lithuania as were the terms in his buyout agreement with Lietuvos Rytas last year and averaged 14.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks against older competition.
We are very pleased to welcome Jonas to the organization, Raptors president and general manager Bryan Colangelo said in a release.
We are certain that Raptors fans will soon realize that the year-long process was worth the wait.
Thats the buzz in NBA circles and the team is counting on Valanciunas, though he will be brought along slowly, to be one of the major blocks in the foundation moving forward.
The 7-foot, 250 pound centre will play for Lithuania at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
He has previously dominated in competitions against those his own age leading Lithuania to multiple gold medals and winning various tournament MVP awards over the years.
Valanciunas also was named 2011 FIBA Europe Young Mens Player of the Year and won the Eurocup rising star trophy for best player under-22.
While all rookie big men take time to make an impact and international players must adjust to the NBA game, Valanciunas three years spent competing against grown men overseas should help him.
Raptors forward Amir Johnson, like most of his teammates, is intrigued after hearing about Valanciunas for an entire year.
Nice, nice, I want to check that guy out, Johnson said when informed about the signing minutes after it was announced.
Rimantas Kaukenas and Darius Songaila confirm EuroBasket absence - May 23, 2013
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Rimantas Kaukenas (192-SG-77, college: Seton Hall) and Darius Songaila (204-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) confirm EuroBasket absence. Two Lithuanian veterans will not help the National team in Slovenia.
Rimantas Kaukenas enjoys the season with Zalgiris. The Lithuanian star came back from Italy last year. Montepaschi Siena enjoyed two seasons with the shooting guard Rimantas Kaukenas. In 2011-2012 for Montepaschi Siena he averaged 14 [read more]
Rimantas Kaukenas (192-SG-77, college: Seton Hall) and Darius Songaila (204-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) confirm EuroBasket absence. Two Lithuanian veterans will not help the National team in Slovenia. Rimantas Kaukenas enjoys the season with Zalgiris. The Lithuanian star came back from Italy last year. Montepaschi Siena enjoyed two seasons with the shooting guard Rimantas Kaukenas. In 2011-2012 for Montepaschi Siena he averaged 14.5ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.5apg, 1.2spg, FGP: 55.6%, 3PT: 64.3% in Euroleague and in Italian League after 23 games showed 9.5ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.7apg, FGP: 47.0%, 3PT: 36.5%, FT: 84.1%. Earlier Rimantas Kaukenas played for Real Madrid. He played 18 Euroleague games collecting 10.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 1.3 apg. In the Spanish league, Kaukenas added 8.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg and 1.1 apg for 29 games. Darius Songaila finished the season with BC Donetsk (Ukraine-Superleague). In EuroCup his stats read 13.8ppg, 5.3rpg, 2.2apg, FGP: 56.3%, FT: 84.6%. In Ukrainian Superleague he showed 15. 9 points per game.
Linas Kleiza is confirmed for Lithuanian National Team - May 21, 2013
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Linas Kleiza (203-SF-85, college: Missouri) is confirmed for Lithuanian National Team. The NBA Star will play for the team at EuroBasket 2013.
Linas Kleiza is a well-known player not only in Europe, but also in the US. He played for Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets and then head back to Europe for one season. In 2009-2010 Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus offered a stunning 2,300,000 salary for him as he averaged 14.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 59 [read more]
Linas Kleiza (203-SF-85, college: Missouri) is confirmed for Lithuanian National Team. The NBA Star will play for the team at EuroBasket 2013. Linas Kleiza is a well-known player not only in Europe, but also in the US. He played for Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets and then head back to Europe for one season. In 2009-2010 Olympiacos S.F.P. Pireus offered a stunning 2,300,000 salary for him as he averaged 14.0ppg, 5.1rpg, 1.4apg, FGP: 59.6%, 3PT: 37.4%, FT: 80.0%. In Euroleague he became the top-scorer with 17.1ppg, Reb-4 (6.5rpg), 1.3apg, FGP: 54.0%, 3PT: 34.9%, FT: 79.8% In 2010-2011 moved to Toronto Raptors (NBA, starting five) and averaged 11.2ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 50.5%, 3PT: 29.8%, FT: 63.1%. In 2011-2012 for Toronto Raptors (NBA) his stats read 9.7ppg, 4.1rpg, FGP: 44.6%, 3PT: 34.6%, FT: 81.0%. Last season Linas Kleiza showed 7.4 points per game. Paulius Jankunas (205-PF-84, agency: Alti Sport) and Martynas Pocius (196-SG-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Duke) were named in the 15-strong Lithuanian national team preliminary squad as well.
Dainius Salenga selected the top Lithuanian playing abroad in last week's games - May 20, 2013
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Here is the weekly review of the top performing Lithuanian players, who play currently abroad. This week's number one is an experienced former international forward Dainius Salenga (197-77). He led Budivelnyk to a victory over the closely-ranked Azovmash in the Ukrainian Superleague in Wednesday night's game.
[read more]
Here is the weekly review of the top performing Lithuanian players, who play currently abroad.
#1. This week's number one is an experienced former international forward Dainius Salenga (197-77, currently plays in Ukraine). He led Budivelnyk to a victory over the closely-ranked Azovmash (25-14) 89-82 in the Ukrainian Superleague in Wednesday night's game.
Salenga was MVP of the game. He recorded 23 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 26 minutes on the court.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Budivelnyk Kyiv (28-11) is placed first in the Superleague.
This year Salenga averages: 8.3ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 53.1%, 3FGP: 31.5% and FT: 74.7% in the 42 games he played so far.
He played for the Lithuanian senior national team eight years ago.
#2. Second place goes to former U20 international forward Donatas Zavackas (203-80, college: Pittsburgh, currently plays in VTB United League), who plays in Latvia. Zavackas could not help VEF Riga (11-7) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the fourth-placed VEF Riga was crushed 104-82 on the road by the leading Khimky in the group B of VTB United League.
Zavackas was the second best scorer with 19 points. He also added 6 rebounds in 31 minutes.
It's Zavackas' first season with the team.
This year Zavackas' overall stats are: 9.9ppg, 4.4rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 42.9%, 3FGP: 48.3%(58-120) and FT: 71.0% in the 24 games.
He played for the Lithuanian U20 national team in 2000.
#3. The Lithuanian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international swingman Jonas Maciulis (199-85, currently plays in Greece). Maciulis contributed to Panathinaikos' victory against the closely-ranked PAOK (17-9) 71-61 in the Greek A1 in Saturday night's game.
He scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Panathinaikos Athens (21-1) is placed first in the A1.
It was his team's 16th consecutive victory in a row.
They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. And that game will be critical.
Maciulis' total stats this season are: 9.2ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 59.2%(42-71), 3FGP: 39.2% and FT: 69.6%.
He is also a member of the Lithuanian senior national team.
#4. Point guard Mantas Kalnietis (195-86, agency: Interperformances, currently plays in VTB United League) contributed to Lokomotiv's victory against the closely-ranked Unics Kazan (14-4) 77-65 in the VTB United League last Thursday.
Kalnietis scored 10 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 30 minutes.
Lokomotiv Kuban (12-6) is placed third in group B.
Kalnietis has relatively good stats this year: 13.5ppg, 2.7rpg and 4.1apg in the 20 games.
He is also Lithuanian national team player.
#5. International center Antanas Kavaliauskas (207-84, also represented by Interperformances, college: Texas A&M, currently plays in Latvia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Donatas Zavackas. But that was another game of his team in Latvian LBL which we would like to mention.
Kavaliauskas was the main contributor in a VEF Riga's victory against the closely-ranked Ventspils (17-3) crushing them 69-42.
He was the best player in that game. Kavaliauskas scored 12 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.
VEF Riga (19-1) is placed fourth in the LBL.
It was his team's 14th consecutive victory in a row.
This season Kavaliauskas has relatively solid stats: 10.9ppg, 4.6rpg and 1.2apg.
He plays currently for the Lithuanian national team.
#6. Center Michailis Anisimovas (214-84, currently plays in Ukraine) is a teammate of previously mentioned Dainius Salenga. However that was another game of his team in Ukrainian Superleague which brought him to that list.
Anisimovas was not able to help Budivelnyk (28-11) in their game against Azovmash (25-14).
He scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 22 minutes.
The league leader Budivelnyk lost 73-77 at home to the lower-ranked (#3) Azovmash.
Anisimovas is one of the most experienced players in a team as it's his fourth year in Budivelnyk's roster.
This season Anisimovas' total stats are: 10.0ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.1apg in the 50 games.
He is a former university international player as he played for the Lithuanian team six years ago.
#7. Former University international guard Vaidotas Peciukas (199-82, college: Hawaii, currently plays in Romania), who plays in the Romanian Liga Nationala was not able to secure a victory for Targu Mures (23-7) in their last game on Sunday. Despite Peciukas' very good performance the league leader Targu Mures was defeated 83-78 on their home court in Mures by the lower-ranked Ploiesti (#3).
He was the top scorer with 20 points. Peciukas also added 6 rebounds (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line).
Peciukas has reliable stats this season: 14.2ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.6apg and 1.1spg.
He used to play for the Lithuanian university national team
eight years ago.
#8. Point guard Arvydas Eitutavicius (188-82, college: American, currently plays in Poland) contributed to Anwil's victory against the leader PGE Turow (23-9) 75-63 in the Polish TBL on Thursday night.
Eitutavicius was the top player that evening. He scored 17 points in 29 minutes.
Anwil Wloclawek (18-14) is placed fifth in Places 1-6 group.
Eitutavicius has averaged so far 7.1ppg, 1.7rpg and 1.3apg in the 22 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian national team
back in 2010.
#9. International small forward Simas Jasaitis (202-82, currently plays in VTB United League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Mantas Kalnietis. But that was another game of his team in VTB United League we would like to talk about.
Jasaitis couldn't help Lokomotiv (12-6) in their game against Unics Kazan (14-4).
He scored 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.
Lokomotiv (#3) was edged 68-65 on their home court in Kuban by the second-ranked Unics Kazan in the group B of VTB United League.
Jasaitis has averaged so far 7.5ppg, 3.7rpg and 1.2apg.
He is also in the roster of the Lithuanian national team.
#10. Point guard Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-76, college: Maryland, currently plays in Euroleague) couldn't help Regal FC Barcelona (13-1) in their game against CSKA Moscow (11-3) in the Euroleague. Jasikevicius cannot count Sunday's game as one of the best ones.
He recorded only 2 points and added 6 assists in 18 minutes.
Regal FC Barcelona was edged 74-73 in Moscow by the leading CSKA in the group F of Euroleague.
Jasikevicius has averaged so far 4.9ppg and 2.0apg in the 31 games.
He is an international player who is currently on the senior Lithuanian National Team roster.
#11. Former U20 international guard Mantas Cesnauskis (191-81, currently plays in Poland) contributed to a Stelmet ZG's victory against the leader AZS Koszalin 89-83 in the Polish TBL in Tuesday night's game.
He scored 9 points in 15 minutes.
Cesnauskis has averaged so far 5.9ppg, 1.5rpg and 2.1apg in the 35 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian U20 national team
thirteen years ago.
#12. International shooting guard Deividas Dulkys (198-88, college: Florida St., currently plays in Latvia) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams Barons kvartals in their game against Valmiera in the Latvian LBL.
Dulkys scored 9 points.
His team was defeated 72-65.
Dulkys averaged so far 10.8ppg, 2.9rpg and 1.3apg.
He is also in the roster of the Lithuanian national team.
#13. Former University international center Egidijus Dimsa (205-85, currently plays in Estonia) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams one of league's weakest teams TU/Rock in their game against Kalev/Cramo in the Estonian KML.
Dimsa scored 6 points in 19 minutes.
His team lost 58-67.
Dimsa has averaged so far 8.4ppg and 5.2rpg in the 25 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian university national team
four years ago.
#14. Former international guard Donatas Slanina (192-77, currently plays in Italy) couldn't help Trenkwalder RE in their game against Lottomatica Roma in the Italian SerieA.
Slanina recorded 7 points.
His team was edged 71-68.
This season Slanina averages only 4.3ppg.
He used to play for the Lithuanian national team
back in 2004.
#15. Former international guard Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-79, agency: XL Basketball Agency, currently plays in Turkey) couldn't help Tofas in their game against Anadolu Efes in the Turkish TBL.
Lukauskis scored 7 points and added 3 passes in 25 minutes.
His team lost 72-86.
Lukauskis has averaged so far 7.8ppg, 2.1rpg and 1.9apg in the 17 games.
He used to play for the Lithuanian national team
two years ago.
The list of other players, who all have Lithuanian passport but never been selected to any of Lithuanian national teams:
#1. Experienced Christopher Young (206-F/C-79, college: Michigan, currently plays in Belgium) led Okapi Aalstar to a victory over the closely-ranked Antwerp Giants (17-11) 99-93 in the Belgian Ethias League last Tuesday.
Young was the best player in that game. He recorded 33 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Generali Okapi Aalstar (17-11) is placed fourth in the Ethias League.
Young belongs to league's best rebounders (ranked #6) and also on the list of best blockers (fifth place).
His overall stats this season are: 9.8ppg and 6.1rpg.
Young is a naturalized American.
Strangely he has never played in Lithuania.
#2.Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, college: Metro St., currently plays in Germany), who plays in the German BBL could not help Telekom Baskets (18-16) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Veikalas' good performance Telekom Baskets was defeated 89-80 on the road by the second-ranked EWE Baskets.
He scored 12 points.
Veikalas averaged so far 11.4ppg, 2.6rpg and 1.3apg.
Juventus: took 3rd place (5-5) in Group B of the First Stage, took 3rd place
(4-2) in Group G of the Second Stage
Lietkabelis: took 2nd place (8-2) in Group B of the First Stage, took 4th
(last) place (1-5) in Group E of the Second Stage
LSU-Baltai: took 5th (last) place (1-7) in Group D of the First Stage
Naglis Palangos: took 3rd place (5-5) in Group A of the First Stage, took
4th (last) place (0-6) in Group F of the Second Stage
Nevezis: took 5th place (4-6) in Group C of the First Stage
Pieno Zvaigzdes: took 1st place (8-0) in Group D of the First Stage, took
1st place (4-2) in Group G, lost to Kalev/Cramo 1-1 (-14) in the Quarterfinals
Rudupis: took 1st place (10-0) in Group C of the First Stage, took 1st place
(5-1) in Group F of the Second Stage, lost to Ventspils 1-1 (-19) in the Finals
!!!
Sakalai: took 4th place (5-5) in Group C of the First Stage, took 4th (last)
place (1-5) in Group H of the Second Stage
Siauliai: took 2nd place (8-2) in Group A of the First Stage, took 1st place
(4-2) in Group H of the Second Stage, lost to Ventspils 1-1 (-4) in the
Quarterfinals
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