Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick

[QUOTE=jamal99]IMO Vesely might do better in the NBA then any of other players on that list. He's so long and athletic, plus hustles hard every game.

Another prospect too look is Nemanja Nedovic (plays at same time like Nemanja Bjelica did until now), a 6'2" very athletic point guard. He can shoot pretty well and is improving his decision making and passing.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPNssDFqhE0[/url]

and here he hits a 3pointer and then assists Bjelica for a dunk
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcpvirLKQ2w&feature=related[/url]

He is born in 1991.[/QUOTE]

I like Vesey more than those others also.

[QUOTE=jamal99]IMO Vesely might do better in the NBA then any of other players on that list. He's so long and athletic, plus hustles hard every game.

Another prospect too look is Nemanja Nedovic (plays at same time like Nemanja Bjelica did until now), a 6'2" very athletic point guard. He can shoot pretty well and is improving his decision making and passing.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPNssDFqhE0[/url]

and here he hits a 3pointer and then assists Bjelica for a dunk
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcpvirLKQ2w&feature=related[/url]

He is born in 1991.[/QUOTE]

This Nedovic guy looks like an interesting prospect, that dunk was sick too. I'll have to keep an eye on him, we'll see if he can get some significant minutes at the Eurocup level.

I like Vesely - I think he's got a lot of translatable skills to the NBA game and above average athleticism, he had a chance of going top 10 this past year.


Valanciunas won the tournament MVP.

[IMG]http://www.fibaeurope.com/files/%7BC9473946-E6FE-4E24-83C3-F92351941EFB%7Dbig_h.jpg[/IMG]

The all tournament team was: Lithuania's Deividas Pukis, Russia's Dmitry Kulagin, Latvia's Davis Bertans and Serbia's Nikola Silad.

Don't get how Gentile and Chrysikopoulos didn't make the team.

[QUOTE]Center - Jonas Valanciunas (Lithuania)
[B]Stats: 19.4 ppg, 13.4 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 70% 2P FG[/B]
As mentioned already this isn't the first time Jonas Valanciunas wins the gold and the MVP award at a European Championship. In 2008 with the U16 team Lithuania and their upcoming star were at the exact same spot, and this year proves they maintain one of the most important things in basketball - continuity. Valanciunas dominated this championship from the first moment and posted no less than six double-doubles. [B]His best performance came against France in the Qualifying Round when he left on the floor 34 points with only two missed shots, 13 rebounds and four blocks. In the title game he reached double-double already before the end of the first half before writing almost better figures with 31 points and 18 rebounds.[/B] Such combination of size, agility, instincts, length and athleticism isn't common in European Basketball and while his one-on-one offensive game is still under development his dominance under the boards was one of the most impressive seen in the last years in youth basketball. The MVP is ranked top six in no less than 14 different statistical categories and even more impressive in 12 of them he's ranked in the top two among them[B] Total Rebounds (#1), Defensive Rebounds (#1), Blocked Shots (#2), Field Goal Percentage (#1), Free Throws Attempted (#1), Free Throws Made (#1) and 2 Pts Field Goal Percentage (#1).[/B][/QUOTE]

From FIBA.com

[QUOTE=Grinder]This Nedovic guy looks like an interesting prospect, that dunk was sick too. I'll have to keep an eye on him, we'll see if he can get some significant minutes at the Eurocup level.
[/QUOTE]

Nedovic made one more highlight dunk few days ago against Cibona.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsyVQMv8djk&feature=related[/url]
it was damn nasty dunk for a point guard...

[QUOTE=CLTHornets4eva]So is Valanciunas actually a better prospect than Montiejunas? If so, how?[/QUOTE]

he is a way better prospect then montiejunas. he actually plays inside unlike montiejunas who is bargnani lite

[QUOTE=madmax]once again you show your complete lack of knowledge about european guys...Valaciunas is nothing like Amare - he's traditional center with a nice touch and a feel for rebounds. He's also blessed with very long hands and has a knack for offensive put-backs. He's actually already a better NBA material than Motiejunas is.[/QUOTE]


You copied the exact thing I said a few months later. You're a ****ing idiot.


[QUOTE=madmax]I personally believe Vesely and Valanciunas could become stars in NBA. Vesely could be a longer improved version of Kirilenko and Valanciunas plays very much like Amare + defense included[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Grinder]You copied the exact thing I said a few months later. You're a ****ing idiot.[/QUOTE]
:BOX::roll:

Anyone who thinks Valanciunas will be able to explode off his first step and score in the paint like Amare....against NBA defense, is delusional.

Take Linas Kleiza's foot speed and leaping (not bad but far from Amare) and stick it on a taller, anorexic Kevin Love, with none of Love's intelligence on the court = Valanciunas.

My gripe about these Euro big men who were supposed to have a traditional inside game is that nobody (apart from the Gasol brothers) seemed to have transitioned well.

Dirk and Bargs are different, since they were primarily jump shooters in Europe, and are still jump shooters in the NBA. Pau and Marc I think are exceptions. Hands down Pau is the most skilled big man in the NBA, and Marc, given his size is no slouch either. Both brothers use their skills to excel, its not like they just take you off the first step and dunk on you.

I've yet to see an explosive big man to come out from Europe and make it in the NBA. When you think about it, the only athletic big from Europe to stick around the league was Darko. And he only got to stick around because of his D, and now because of his still developing post game.

Kanter and Vesely are guys to look for

[QUOTE=BarberSchool]Anyone who thinks Valanciunas will be able to explode off his first step and score in the paint like Amare....against NBA defense, is delusional.

Take Linas Kleiza's foot speed and leaping (not bad but far from Amare) and stick it on a taller, anorexic Kevin Love, with none of Love's intelligence on the court = Valanciunas.[/QUOTE]

once again - he's only 18 and still growing into his body, he won't be a stick his whole life. He has a good frame and very long arms to succeed playing NBA ball. Think about european Javale McGee or Fran Vazquez (who would do very well if he decided to play NBA basketball). He's amazing rebounder and hustle guy too. He'll do just fine.

[QUOTE=gasolina]My gripe about these Euro big men who were supposed to have a traditional inside game is that nobody (apart from the Gasol brothers) seemed to have transitioned well.

Dirk and Bargs are different, since they were primarily jump shooters in Europe, and are still jump shooters in the NBA. Pau and Marc I think are exceptions. Hands down Pau is the most skilled big man in the NBA, and Marc, given his size is no slouch either. Both brothers use their skills to excel, its not like they just take you off the first step and dunk on you.

I've yet to see an explosive big man to come out from Europe and make it in the NBA. When you think about it, the only athletic big from Europe to stick around the league was Darko. And he only got to stick around because of his D, and now because of his still developing post game.[/QUOTE]

Fran Vazquez and Robertas Javtokas are/were as athletic as any center in the NBA is. They just never decided to play in the NBA.

[QUOTE=madmax]once again - he's only 18 and still growing into his body, he won't be a stick his whole life. He has a good frame and very long arms to succeed playing NBA ball. Think about european Javale McGee or Fran Vazquez (who would do very well if he decided to play NBA basketball). He's amazing rebounder and hustle guy too. He'll do just fine.[/QUOTE]


Jonas Valanciunas is now 2.13 meters (7-0) tall and his wingspan is now 2.29 meters (7-6) and he is supposedly still growing......

The NBA will be drooling over this guy before the draft, due to their insane obsession with such vitals.

[QUOTE=BarberSchool]Anyone who thinks Valanciunas will be able to explode off his first step and score in the paint like Amare....against NBA defense, is delusional.

Take Linas Kleiza's foot speed and leaping (not bad but far from Amare) and stick it on a taller, anorexic Kevin Love, with none of Love's intelligence on the court = Valanciunas.[/QUOTE]


Sounds nothing like Valanciunas, my man.

For a guy his size, and someone that is still growing, he looks completely comfortable in his body. I love the way he glides around the court. He's doesn't have heavy feet at all compared to many with his size.

I don't think he's super explosive, and if he is, he doesn't use it in a game. The great thing is he is a quick finisher on the offensive end due to being so long. He can just catch a slam while only elevating about a foot. He doesn't waste time with a dribble and can always go up strong with two hands.

I think he'll be a good one. He won't have a monster rookie year, but by year three he could really be a real force.

Bump once again to show how much of an idiotic hypocrite our special Lithuanian friend madmax is. :lol

[QUOTE=Grinder]Bump once again to show how much of an idiotic hypocrite our special Lithuanian friend madmax is. :lol[/QUOTE]
Been a huge fan of Valanciunas since I first heard about him a year ago. Part of me hopes the Wolves don't get a top 3 picks just so we can draft him:lol

[QUOTE=Grinder]This Nedovic guy looks like an interesting prospect, that dunk was sick too. I'll have to keep an eye on him, we'll see if he can get some significant minutes at the Eurocup level.
[/QUOTE]

Yesterday he toyed with players of the best team in the country (and a very good Euroleague team). Great potential, he really looked like Derrick Rose out there!

His highlights from that game
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0NYJn1h-nM[/url]

[QUOTE=jamal99]Yesterday he toyed with players of the best team in the country (and a very good Euroleague team). Great potential, he really looked like Derrick Rose out there!

His highlights from that game
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0NYJn1h-nM[/url][/QUOTE]

He's extremely quick and fast.. Has some decent handles but he seems to turn the ball over alot. Nonetheless he seems like a good NBA prospect.

His ceiling is Tyson Chandler.

[QUOTE=iDunk]His ceiling is Tyson Chandler.[/QUOTE]

Still worth a top 5 pick. Look at Chandler's impact on the Mavs this year.


:roll: @ madmax

there are some good players in this draft i dont know whats with the weak draft talk
i guess we will see few years from now

[QUOTE=knickballer]He's extremely quick and fast.. Has some decent handles but he seems to turn the ball over alot. Nonetheless he seems like a good NBA prospect.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, he need to slow down a bit sometimes and improve decision making. I hope he will get it with experience as he gets older. Now, he's just a very athletic player with lots of offensive potential.

[QUOTE=Grinder]Still worth a top 5 pick. Look at Chandler's impact on the Mavs this year.


:roll: @ madmax[/QUOTE]

what is your issue with me anyway dude?:rolleyes: I've expressed my opinion and you said yours - now how about you stop stalking me and wait to see how this kid develops?

[QUOTE=alenleomessi]there are some good players in this draft i dont know whats with the weak draft talk
i guess we will see few years from now[/QUOTE]
I think discussing the strength of a draft prior to any of these guys playing a single NBA game is senseless. I mean, I understand that people like to use their own evaluations to project how players will turn out on the next level, but no one really knows if this is a strong draft, a weak draft or a mediocre draft.

We can check back in a few years from now and then have a real idea about the strength of this draft. I agree with you... There is a lot of potential in this draft, especially at the top.

There seems to be a few really nice international prospects in Valanciunas, Kanter, Vesely, Biyombo and Motiejunas. All of those guys may be gone within the Top 10.

[QUOTE=madmax]what is your issue with me anyway dude?:rolleyes: I've expressed my opinion and you said yours - now how about you stop stalking me and wait to see how this kid develops?[/QUOTE]

Stalking? Reread the definition.

My issue is that it's easy to dismiss someone and say they have no idea what they're talking about and then come in a few months later and repeat the same exact thing I said and pretend your moronic earlier remarks were never said.

Pretty much what it comes down to is that you're a hypocrite and you were wrong, I was right. As usual. :oldlol:

I cannot believe you people are getting hyped over an under 18 Euro comp!

Who else is sick and tired of all these Euro's being hyped to be the next big thing?

The are only 2 players that have panned out in recent years to become superstars and thats Dirk and Pau Gasol (no Marc is not a superstar, and does not have the talent to become one).

The 2 Italians (Barganni and Gallinari) at best will be borderline allstars, but have yet done jack sh!t with the opportunities given to them....be interested to see how long the Raptors will keep packaging Barganni as its 'franchise' player

The vast majority of Euro's get exposed in the NBA, and most become average at best!

[QUOTE=nerds]I cannot believe you people are getting hyped over an under 18 Euro comp!

Who else is sick and tired of all these Euro's being hyped to be the next big thing?

The are only 2 players that have panned out in recent years to become superstars and thats Dirk and Pau Gasol (no Marc is not a superstar, and does not have the talent to become one).

The 2 Italians (Barganni and Gallinari) at best will be borderline allstars, but have yet done jack sh!t with the opportunities given to them....be interested to see how long the Raptors will keep packaging Barganni as its 'franchise' player

The vast majority of Euro's get exposed in the NBA, and most become average at best![/QUOTE]

Wait are you actually implying that guys like Bargnani, Galinari, and Valanciunas are among the best European players.......................

:roll: :roll: :roll: :oldlol: :lol

Yeah, they are nothing more than an average European players. News flash genius, the NBA likes to draft players based solely on hype and nothing more. Hype they create themselves.

Just like how Rubio is an awful Euroleague player.

9 out of 10 of the best European players are never drafted genius.

Seriously, Bargnani and Galinari? You have got to be kidding me. They would just be average players in the Euroleague.

[QUOTE=Grinder]Stalking? Reread the definition.

My issue is that it's easy to dismiss someone and say they have no idea what they're talking about and then come in a few months later and repeat the same exact thing I said and pretend your moronic earlier remarks were never said.

Pretty much what it comes down to is that you're a hypocrite and you were wrong, I was right. As usual. :oldlol:[/QUOTE]

How old are you? Really?! Can no-one have a differing opinion to you? You have shown to have a great knowledge of a solid young prospect, and that's great, but why is madmax not allowed to give his take on a prospect?

Yeah, I know I've only got a handful of posts, but that doesn't mean I don't lurk hear all the ****ing time. You are a **** to most people on this forum, and something needs to be said about it.

Go **** yourself, you ****ing child.

[QUOTE=Silenttristo]How old are you? Really?! Can no-one have a differing opinion to you? You have shown to have a great knowledge of a solid young prospect, and that's great, but why is madmax not allowed to give his take on a prospect?

Yeah, I know I've only got a handful of posts, but that doesn't mean I don't lurk hear all the ****ing time. You are a **** to most people on this forum, and something needs to be said about it.

Go **** yourself, you ****ing child.[/QUOTE]

Well he's pretty well versed in NBA, college, high school, 12 & under, semi pro and any international league outside of America. I remember he talked about a guy in Philly who played at a local rec league and broke down his game. Amazing to say the least. Somewhere a 6yr old is getting yelled at by mum for making a ton of noise on his nerf set. But Grinder has the scouting report on the kid. :oldlol:

[QUOTE=Euroleague]Wait are you actually implying that guys like Bargnani, Galinari, and Valanciunas are among the best European players.......................

:roll: :roll: :roll: :oldlol: :lol

Yeah, they are nothing more than an average European players. News flash genius, the NBA likes to draft players based solely on hype and nothing more. Hype they create themselves.

Just like how Rubio is an awful Euroleague player.

9 out of 10 of the best European players are never drafted genius.

Seriously, Bargnani and Galinari? You have got to be kidding me. They would just be average players in the Euroleague.[/QUOTE]
Tell me more, who is the best Euro players and how good would they be in the NBA right now?

Here we go again.

slow feet but good hands, will be a serviceable big but nothing spectacular

even if he's drafted this year he's still years away from being an NBA player

lol @ comparing him to chandler. he wishes he is anywhere nearly as athletic as chandler.

A little strange Jonas highlights from the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLa5yFCF6Go[/url]
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYAiv2EOsx8[/url]
[QUOTE=Nash]Tell me more, who is the best Euro players and how good would they be in the NBA right now?[/QUOTE]
He will tell you that this guy :facepalm
[IMG]http://www.nba.com/spurs/sites/spurs/files/imagecache/story_page_standard_image/spanoulis_070712.jpg[/IMG]

Looking more and more like he might be a future Cav.

[QUOTE=Grinder]Looking more and more like he might be a future Cav.[/QUOTE]


irving and valanciunas would be a great foundation for the cavs. both smart humble, hard working players from what i can see.

ive always thought the two most important positions to be successful are a perimeter player who can get to the rim and create for others, and a big man who can defend the rim, defend the pick and roll, rebound and finish around the rim. from what i can see iring and jonas would fill these needs fairly well, neither is a star, but its a good start, and maybe we get a star in the 2012 draft.

[QUOTE=Grinder]Bump once again to show how much of an idiotic hypocrite our special Lithuanian friend madmax is. :lol[/QUOTE]

He's there to make shame on our country sadly :facepalm

[QUOTE=BarberSchool]Anyone who thinks Valanciunas will be able to explode off his first step and score in the paint like Amare....against NBA defense, is delusional.

Take Linas Kleiza's foot speed and leaping (not bad but far from Amare) and stick it on a taller, anorexic Kevin Love, with none of Love's intelligence on the court = Valanciunas.[/QUOTE]

Much more Noah than Amare. More offensive potential than Noah, though he'll never be a back to the basket guy.

One of my favorite threads. :oldlol:

One year later, he's dominating the u19.