Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
The 6'11" PF/C is only 18 years old from Lithuania and is projected as a top 5 pick in next year's draft should he declare.
He's currently playing in the U18 European championships and just had 18 points and 11 rebounds and kept his team undefeated. He's averaging 17 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks and shooting 80% from FT line and 56% from the field.
He played on an average team in Lithuania this past season and averaged 12 points (62% from the field; 75% FT), 8 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 24 minutes per game. He's considered a better prospect than Motiejunas so it'll in be interesting to see his development in the next year.
[IMG]http://www.fibaeurope.com/files/%7B71CD298F-5008-4B6A-9CA4-EB0F7A54FFC3%7Dflexible.jpg[/IMG]
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
[QUOTE=HisJoeness]Who does he compare to?[/QUOTE]
He excels at the pick and roll and triple threat position facing the basket. I'd say he's a less athletic (still a good athletic), longer, more defensive oriented Amar'e Stoudemire type player.
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
[QUOTE=Grinder]He excels at the pick and roll and triple threat position facing the basket. I'd say he's a less athletic (still a good athletic), longer, more defensive oriented Amar'e Stoudemire type player.[/QUOTE]
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.
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
[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]
LMAO. Have you watched any of the games at the Euro championships? His offensive game is face up like Amare. He excels at using one or two dribbles to get to his spots and gets a lot of plays on the pick and roll.
Traditional center? GTFO.
Your posts about Motiejunas were about as inaccurate as I've seen.
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
[QUOTE=Grinder]LMAO. Have you watched any of the games at the Euro championships? His offensive game is face up like Amare. He excels at using one or two dribbles to get to his spots and gets a lot of plays on the pick and roll.
Traditional center? GTFO.
Your posts about Motiejunas were about as inaccurate as I've seen.[/QUOTE]
LOL:roll: He's my compatriot dude - I've watched plenty of him last season in Rytas...sure, he's versatile enough to play a face-up game, but his best skills are rebounding and post-up moves. Stop spreading misinformation on these boards
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
[QUOTE=madmax]LOL:roll: He's my compatriot dude - I've watched plenty of him last season in Rytas...sure, he's versatile enough to play a face-up game, but his best skills are rebounding and post-up moves. Stop spreading misinformation on these boards[/QUOTE]
To say he's a traditional center is a joke. I don't care if you're Lithuanian and have seen him play a lot, doesn't mean much when you don't accurately describe his game. He's probably a 4 in the NBA anyway. He can't post up NBA big men, he's at his best facing up.
You lost all credibility when you said Ibaka wasn't good enough to make the Spanish NT. :facepalm
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
He should have moved to college league, like Enes Kanter did. No way he can be selected at top 5 picks, while playing in europe.
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
So is Valanciunas actually a better prospect than Montiejunas? If so, how?
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
Valanciunas exploded to the tune of 34 points/13 rebounds/4 blocks (14-16 from the field).
He's now averaging 21/10/3 for the tourney.
Remember the name.
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
Is he tougher than ernes kanter ???
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
[QUOTE=ashbelly]Is he tougher than ernes kanter ???[/QUOTE]
well, he's more athletic and faster - that's for sure...
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
He looks great in U18, just unstoppable, and his team mates are giving him a lot of balls.
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick
[QUOTE=CLTHornets4eva]So is Valanciunas actually a better prospect than Montiejunas? If so, how?[/QUOTE]
I have never seen him play, but after reading several reports on the guy he seems willing (and able) to play defense while Motiejunas doesn't. Hopefully i can catch this guy play a few games
Re: Jonas Valanciunas - possible top 5 pick