By Aris Barkas
Jonas Valanciunas is preparing himself for the Eurocup Final Four this weekend. The “rising star” of the European cup is making a splash on both ends of the Atlantic. The Toronto Raptors are waiting to sign him in the summer and the basketball crazed country of Lithuania is enjoying its best new product.
He is already an international star but he is also a 20 years old kid who is dreaming to be like Arvydas Sabonis. Living his euro version of “one and done” young Jonas is already making in just one season his mark in European basketball and he is talking about it to Eurohoops.net.
– You missed the chance to play in Euroleague with Lietuvos Rytas in the special qualification round, but after your qualification in the Eurocup semifinals and being named the rising star of the competition, do you feel that it’s a dream season for you?
“I think it is too early to talk about the season. It is not over, yet. We still participate in Eurocup, VTB league, Lithuanian Basketball League and Baltic Basketball League. I will tell you about my feelings after the season. Opportunity to participate and national team achievements at the Olympic Games in London could also be a big part of a dream season”.
– Is it also your farewell season in Europe? Are you getting ready for the NBA or we may see you next year in the Euroleague?
“I follow NBA games and the results of Toronto Raptors. However this season I am focused on the goals of my current team and my minds are with Rytas team. That is the best way I could get ready for the NBA which is in my plans for the next season”.
– You stole the show in last Eurobasket and you are a fan favorite in Lithuania. Do you want to finish the season with the Lithuanian Championship?
“Of course I want my team to win Lithuanian championship. Every player wants that”.
– We are all impressed by your play, but you are just starting your career. What are your personal goals on and off the court? What the future is holding for you?
“Thank you. I think my personal goals are not unique. I want to get better and better in basketball as a player. I would like to help every team I will play for to win the national championship. Not excluding my national team, which has the best fans in the world”.
– Do you consider yourself Arvydas Sabonis’ heir?
“It is a dream of every kid to become a player like Arvydas Sabonis was. I am not an exception. However, let’s face it, Arvydas Sabonis is the best player in the history of European basketball”.