New Poll: Everything Valanciunas - 2nd Team All-Rooke Selection.

[Matt52]

Lietuvos Rytas will return from Poland with a close overtime defeat against Asseco Prokom in the VTB United League, having lost 73-74 (11-9, 25-21, 6-14, 21-19, 10-11) after a thrilling end to the game.

The Lithuanians dropped to 4-3 in the league standings, but still hold the third place in the group, while the win saw Asseco Prokom improve to a 3-4 record.

The meeting in Gdynia was the first duel in an official setting between Jonas Valanciunas and Donatas Motiejunas, the two most promising Lithuanian prospects.

Motiejunas was by far the more impressive player on the court, collecting 16 points, including the game-winning shot, as well as grabbing five rebounds.

Having played about 10 minutes less than Motiejunas, Valanciunas finished the game with five points, seven rebounds and two blocks.

With the game tied at 63-63, Tyrese Rice had a chance to win the game for Lietuvos Rytas, but missed the buzzer-beating lay-up at the end of regulation.

Asseco Prokom started the overtime much better than the visitors from Vilnius, taking a 68-63 lead with just under three minutes left in the extra period, extending it to 72-66 after Motiejunas nailed two free-throws.

However, Lietuvos Rytas wasn’t ready to give up just yet, as the visitors launched a 7-0 run to go in front 73-72 with 17 seconds on the clock, but Motiejunas nailed the game-winner with five seconds left to give the Polish side the win.

Motiejunas was the leading scorer for Asseco Prokom with 16 points, Oliver Lafayette scored 14, while Julian Blassingame ended the game with 13 points, eight assists and five rebounds.

For Lietuvos Rytas, Tyrese Rice collected 19 points and dished out seven assists, Renaldas Seibutis and Steponas Babrauskas chipped in with 12 points each, while Lawrence Roberts added 11 points and six rebounds.

Source

[irgigi]

Motiejunas outshined nobody really. Valanciunas efficiency rating is the same as his. Motiejunas is getting unlimited minutes from coach, while Valanciunas is not. Let JV play 34 mins, Rytas would win and JV would do much better. Fouls was not an issue, coach decided to go two PF, while both centers was sitting on bench, letting Motiejunas score easier and his team catched up.
Team has +6 while JV on coart (best in team), Motiejunas team has 0, while he was on coart.
Full stats

P.S. Motiejunas was drafted 20th this year Minnesota to Houston.

[Matt52]

Motiejunas outshined nobody really. Valanciunas efficiency rating is the same as his. Motiejunas is getting unlimited minutes from coach, while Valanciunas is not. Let JV play 34 mins, Rytas would win and JV would do much better. Fouls was not an issue, coach decided to go two PF, while both centers was sitting on bench, letting Motiejunas score easier and his team catched up.
Team has +6 while JV on coart (best in team), Motiejunas team has 0, while he was on coart.
Full stats

P.S. Motiejunas was drafted 20th this year Minnesota to Houston.

To be clear, the title wasn't mine, I just posted the title of the article.

[irgigi]

I understand, Matt. It is reply to an article, which is just another loud media article.

[Matt52]

I understand, Matt. It is reply to an article, which is just another loud media article.

And a very good reply at that.

Did you see the game? What were the circumstances surrounding JV's long time on the bench and lack of involvement on the offensive end?

[irgigi]

I've seen the game. He was playing more time than average actually. He was benched, when he got 3rd foul early in 3rd quarter which is ok, more or less. But second center didn't do well, and coach decided to keep two small enough PF's from second part of 3rd quarter until the middle of 4th quarter. Valanciunas came in 5mins left in 4th Q, which i think was too late, he could easy start 4th quarter. Coach either thought small mobile players is working well, or he was afraid to use him because of 3 fouls, but i don't think it is a lot in 4th quarter.

Lack of involvement on the offensive end is only based on the team strategy i suppose. He doesn't score much on this team at all. He doesn't get much ball and other players are doing shots. One reason might be, PG isn't good at pick n roll and by playing through center in general. Coach should make more play through him IMO, but while team isn't playing bad in general, can't judge him much. And we are left to stick to more defencive JV role here.

[Matt52]

I've seen the game. He was playing more time than average actually. He was benched, when he got 3rd foul early in 3rd quarter which is ok, more or less. But second center didn't do well, and coach decided to keep two small enough PF's from second part of 3rd quarter until the middle of 4th quarter. Valanciunas came in 5mins left in 4th Q, which i think was too late, he could easy start 4th quarter. Coach either thought small mobile players is working well, or he was afraid to use him because of 3 fouls, but i don't think it is a lot in 4th quarter.

Lack of involvement on the offensive end is only based on the team strategy i suppose. He doesn't score much on this team at all. He doesn't get much ball and other players are doing shots. One reason might be, PG isn't good at pick n roll and by playing through center in general. Coach should make more play through him IMO, but while team isn't playing bad in general, can't judge him much. And we are left to stick to more defencive JV role here.

Thanks. I can't wait to see him in a Raps uniform.

[Matt52]

JV update.

EuroCup action.

L. Rytas won 82-72.

JV only played 16 minutes.... any insight from our Lithuanian friends?


6 points
3/3 fg
3 rebs
1 ast
1 blk
2 turnovers
2 fouls

[RandomGuy]

With this coach, Valančiūnas will never be an star. That's what I already can see. Džikič doesn't care, who he is and is not willing to use his all potential. Also as irgi(also) mentioned above, team lacks better PG, Val has to make most of his shots by himself, of course that ain't bad, but it would be good only if Val would get enough of time during the game. If Val is going to get better during this season, then only on defense. The cons of this year are going to be reduced Val's self confidence. In my opinion when he get less time, he sure is kinda suppressed, although if we think logically he should be more motivated to get more time and to go for it, but I don't think that he would be granted that chance somehow.

[Bendit]

With this coach, Valančiūnas will never be an star. That's what I already can see. Džikič doesn't care, who he is and is not willing to use his all potential. Also as irgi(also) mentioned above, team lacks better PG, Val has to make most of his shots by himself, of course that ain't bad, but it would be good only if Val would get enough of time during the game. If Val is going to get better during this season, then only on defense. The cons of this year are going to be reduced Val's self confidence. In my opinion when he get less time, he sure is kinda suppressed, although if we think logically he should be more motivated to get more time and to go for it, but I don't think that he would be granted that chance somehow.

I thought the coach had a good rapport with the Raptors management. I wonder if a) this is an arrangement where they wont play him too much or b) Since JV wont be there next season that they wish to develop the guy who is playing ahead of him now

[Tim W.]

With this coach, Valančiūnas will never be an star. That's what I already can see. Džikič doesn't care, who he is and is not willing to use his all potential. Also as irgi(also) mentioned above, team lacks better PG, Val has to make most of his shots by himself, of course that ain't bad, but it would be good only if Val would get enough of time during the game. If Val is going to get better during this season, then only on defense. The cons of this year are going to be reduced Val's self confidence. In my opinion when he get less time, he sure is kinda suppressed, although if we think logically he should be more motivated to get more time and to go for it, but I don't think that he would be granted that chance somehow.

I don't care if the coach won't make Valanciunas a star on his team. I'd MUCH rather he learn how to do things while not being the centre of attention on offense. Sure, I'd like to see his offense more developed, but I don't have a big problem with how he seems to be being played right now.

[RandomGuy]

You are right, I also want to point out, that I'm not saying Džikič is a bad coach, he's actually a good strategist, however doesn't really care if you are an huge prospect or an ordinary player from random town club. What is also a good thing. What I'm trying to say, it's just that, don't expect shocking stat line from Val this season.

[Rytasfan97]

he's played a ton of basketball this year, its actually beneficial to Raptor fans for him to get rest, though I understand people want to see him crush teams, health should be first, how much else can he learn in the few games left on the schedule

[Puffer]

I really appreciate everyone who is providing all of this insight into how JV's season is going. Encouraging to hear the good and the bad and really appreciate the analysis of game situations and participation.

[irgigi]

Coach Alexander Dzikic & Valanciunas meeting with fans after last game (JV only got 16 minutes in that game).

Coach talking in English about the game starting 1:50 and touches Valanciunas theme at mark 3:35 to 6:30.
Some points: "he don't need to play like Olajuwon or Sabonis to help team win", "feeling less pressure is better".

[Bendit]

Coach Alexander Dzikic & Valanciunas meeting with fans after last game (JV only got 16 minutes in that game).

Coach talking in English about the game starting 1:50 and touches Valanciunas theme at mark 3:35 to 6:30.
Some points: "he don't need to play like Olajuwon or Sabonis to help team win", "feeling less pressure is better".

That was a very "caring" type of speech. It seems to me that they are being very careful with his development which was probably discussed with BC during their negotiations for his buyout. Alls good & thank you for posting. Were u at this event?

[Matt52]

Bobcats rookie Bismack Biyombo's team in Spain, Fuenlabrada, will retain his rights, meaning he will not be allowed to play for the Bobcats this season.
The courts did not allow Biyombo to break his agreement with his Spanish team, so this is very disappointing news for Biyombo and the Bobcats. Maybe something will get worked out at a later date, but as of now, it seems like this is a lost season for Biyombo. Dec. 15 - 5:51 pm et

Source: RotoWorld.com


Well, well, well.... and Toronto was criticized for taking JV. At least JV is playing games.

[Tim W.]

Source: RotoWorld.com


Well, well, well.... and Toronto was criticized for taking JV. At least JV is playing games.

The question is, does Biyombo not being with the team this year hurt or help them in the win column?

[planetmars]

The question is, does Biyombo not being with the team this year hurt or help them in the win column?

I'd say hurt simply due to their depth. They would have to primarily play Diop at the post. That's never a good thing.

[Hello]

The question is, does Biyombo not being with the team this year hurt or help them in the win column?

less wins, and a better pick.
They really are going to be the worst in the league.

However, it is one less year for a bigman prospect to develop. wont make a huge impact on his game, but it could still hurt him.