By Aris Barkas
After a noteworthy career in the USA, Lithuanian veteran forward Darius Songaila felt that it was time to return to Europe. Add the NBA lock out of last summer and you have at theory a great addition to Galatasaray.
But theories can be wrong and the 34 years old Songaila couldn’t fit in a team that wanted to run and pressure the ball. He was cut from the roster, just before the start of the Euroleague Top 16 and his future was uncertain. Until Valladolid, the last team in the Spanish standings, decide to take a gamble on him. After all a player with a eight years experience in the NBA is a marquee signing for a team that wants just to avoid relegation.
So today Songaila was presented to the Μedia, fully aware of his new mission. He has to save the season for Valladolid and he was as humble as he could be: “I am glad that I will play in one of the best leagues in Europe, in a team with great history, where many Lithuanians have played before. I know that the most important game is the one against Murcia (the second team from the bottom). I will try to adapt to the needs of my new teammates. The coach talked to me about my role and emphasized the importance of defence. I will bring hard work and experience to win games”.
Valladolid is still in the market, looking for an experienced guard. This means that Songaila is considered just a piece in the puzzle and not a savior from the NBA. But Lithuanians never give up, specially in the basketball court, and if this is the last stand for him, he will absolutely be ready to fight.