Built Ford Tough Posted September 9, 2011 Report Share Posted September 9, 2011 I figured I'd post some highlights of Valanciunas playing for the Lithuania Men's National Team in Eurobasket action. Against Serbia: He is going to have to clean up some of the picks that he sets as a couple of these would definitely be called for illegal screens in the NBA as he wasn't really set on a couple of them due to his eagerness to roll to the basket. He just needs to slow it down a bit and he will be fine in that regard. It is encouraging to see a skinny 19 year old like JV not backing down and banging in the post against guys who are much more experienced and hold significant size advantages over him, though. It is going to be great to see how much more effective he can be when he bulks up and fills out his frame as that is one of the only things holding him back at this point. He already has fantastic touch and finishing ability around the basket. My two favourite highlights in this video is definitely the two that come at the end. The pass he throws around the 2:55 mark is very impressive and the move he puts on Kristic for the and 1 was brilliant as well. He finished with 18 points (8/9 shooting), 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in 20 minutes. Against Spain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tX8mJ_el6c&feature=player_embedded#! Finished this game with 13 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds in 16 minutes What impresses me most in this video is how he goes right at Pau and Marc Gasol (and Serge Ibaka at times) despite the fact that he is severely outmatched physically against all of them. It doesn't stop him from continuing to go inside, play physical and bang down low. He showed some nice touch on his outside jumper as well. I knew he was a very good free throw shooter for a center, but I didn't realize he could stretch the defense that far outside. Against Portugal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P27OjWk3-yc&feature=player_embedded#! Finished with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals in 27 minutes. The numbers aren't very impressive but this was his first game of the tournament where he got extended floor time (I think it was this game at least) and you could definitely tell that he was nervous on the floor. Anyways, just thought I would post some of these highlights for anybody who was interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
headliner Posted September 20, 2011 Report Share Posted September 20, 2011 Valanciunas is clearly a solid player as much as I did not like the selection of him I actually think he will pan out for the raptors. In my mind it’s not essential that he get bigger he just needs to get stronger and polish his post game for him to be able to endure an 82 plus season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.