U-19 World Championships

[Dime Dropper]

Anybody watching this? USA beat Lithuania last week in overtime. Jeremy Lamb had 35 points. On the other side, Valanciunas dominated with 30/15/4.


Have to say this is the first chance I've had to watch Valanciunas properly. I've completely changed my opinion of him. I wasn't high on him a few weeks ago, different story now. He is completely dominating. His rebounding is freakish, he gobbles up both defensive and offensive boards. He doesn't force anything on offense, has a high IQ and has made some very impressive passes out of double teams and to cutters. He helps on defense and protects the rim very well, although he's not a highflyer. He's very long, though, and has a fantastic motor. Goes after absolutely everything and doesn't quit on any plays. He also has a nice touch and a good foundation to build on the offensive side of the ball.

The only criticism I have of him is that he's very slight and light. He needs to bulk up and put on weight/muscle. Won't be a long-term problem in the NBA AFAIC. Really like this guy now. Have a feeling that if these cahmpionships had been on before the draft he may have gone number 3 instead of Kanter. He won't be a franchise player but he'll be very effective.

BTW, in Lithuania's most recent game against Poland, Valanciunas finished with 26 points, 24 rebounds, 5 blocks and 3 assists. Domination.

This thread is not about Valanciunas, just thought I'd mention him. Is anyone else watching/following it? Some very good young players on show.

 

[Hansel]

I told you so about him, far better than Motiejunas and Vesely (so much upside).
Anyway, take a look at croatian Dario Saric, born in '94. He could be the next big thing from Europe.

 

[ElRey]

wow those are some BEASTLY numbers!

 

[Dime Dropper]

I told you so about him, far better than Motiejunas and Vesely (so much upside).
Anyway, take a look at croatian Dario Saric, born in '94. He could be the next big thing from Europe.

To be fair, I did say I'd only seen very limited game footage of Valanciunas. I'd seen much more of Motiejunas and Vesely. Motiejunas is the most skilled of the lot, but from what I've seen of Valanciunas so far, he'll be the best player of the bunch (unless Vesely reaches his maximum potential, even so he may not be as effective as Val).

I know of Saric. He's a big time athlete. Very, very talented. There's actually quite a few very exciting prospects coming up in the next few years from Europe.

 

[Dime Dropper]

USA have finished fifth. Lamb hit the game clincher despite going 2-15 for the game. Didn't see it, just going off DX tweets. Final (between Lithuania and Serbia, should be a very good game) is on tomorrow I believe. I don't know if this is being televised in the US or if the interest just isn't there, but I'll let you know how it goes after the final.

 

[Hansel]

USA have finished fifth. Lamb hit the game clincher despite going 2-15 for the game. Didn't see it, just going off DX tweets. Final (between Lithuania and Serbia, should be a very good game) is on tomorrow I believe. I don't know if this is being televised in the US or if the interest just isn't there, but I'll let you know how it goes after the final.

Lithuania won the title. MVP Valanciunas, 36 points (13/18 from the field and 10/14 from the free throw line) and 8 rebounds.

 

[bajaden]

Anybody watching this? USA beat Lithuania last week in overtime. Jeremy Lamb had 35 points. On the other side, Valanciunas dominated with 30/15/4.


Have to say this is the first chance I've had to watch Valanciunas properly. I've completely changed my opinion of him. I wasn't high on him a few weeks ago, different story now. He is completely dominating. His rebounding is freakish, he gobbles up both defensive and offensive boards. He doesn't force anything on offense, has a high IQ and has made some very impressive passes out of double teams and to cutters. He helps on defense and protects the rim very well, although he's not a highflyer. He's very long, though, and has a fantastic motor. Goes after absolutely everything and doesn't quit on any plays. He also has a nice touch and a good foundation to build on the offensive side of the ball.

The only criticism I have of him is that he's very slight and light. He needs to bulk up and put on weight/muscle. Won't be a long-term problem in the NBA AFAIC. Really like this guy now. Have a feeling that if these cahmpionships had been on before the draft he may have gone number 3 instead of Kanter. He won't be a franchise player but he'll be very effective.

BTW, in Lithuania's most recent game against Poland, Valanciunas finished with 26 points, 24 rebounds, 5 blocks and 3 assists. Domination.

This thread is not about Valanciunas, just thought I'd mention him. Is anyone else watching/following it? Some very good young players on show.

I watched all the games that I could. I posted about Valanciunas in the big man thread in the personnel fourm. I said in that post that Cleveland made a mistake not taking him over Thompson. I was very impressed with Valanciunas. First time I got to see him play in a real game. Very little game away from the basket, but he can do everything else. He's going to be a good one. I kept having visions of him playing next to Cousins. That would be a great combo. He's one of the most athletic Euro's that I've ever seen. Very impressive.

 

[Dime Dropper]

I watched all the games that I could. I posted about Valanciunas in the big man thread in the personnel fourm. I said in that post that Cleveland made a mistake not taking him over Thompson. I was very impressed with Valanciunas. First time I got to see him play in a real game. Very little game away from the basket, but he can do everything else. He's going to be a good one. I kept having visions of him playing next to Cousins. That would be a great combo. He's one of the most athletic Euro's that I've ever seen. Very impressive.

He'd be a perfect fit next to Cousins. Or at least a very good one. He's a good athlete, but I wouldn't have put athleticism as his dominant trait. Lithuania have some good talent. There's some very athletic European players coming up in the next few years.