LTU – Steep learning curve for hard-working Valanciunas

KAUNAS (2010 FIBA World Championship) – Jonas Valanciunas has a big future with Lithuania but the 2010 FIBA World Championship may come too early for the 2.10m starlet of Lietuvos Rytas.

The 17-year-old played fouled out after playing just 16 minutes in his side’s Baltic Basketball League clash against Zalgiris Kaunas over the weekend, an 85-82 win for the Kaunas team that left both sides with 16-2 records.

Valanciunas competed but found it hard against Zalgiris big man Tadas Klimavicius and Travis Watson.

“It's a shame that a 17-year-old has to fight it out against the strongest Euroleague hustler and gets called for five fouls,” Kurtinaitis said.

“We are trying to play aggressively. Today the referees didn't allow the kind of game that was allowed in Vilnius, maybe they favor home teams.”

Lietuvos Rytas won the first BBL encounter between the sides in Vilnius 91-74 back on December 12.

"Valanciunas can't compete (yet) with the likes of Watson or Klimavicius, he's still developing," Kurtinaitis said.

"He's still very young and needs to work, and that's exactly what he is doing."

Klimavicius, meanwhile, is doing his best to force his way into Kestutis Kemzura’s Lithuania national team for the FIBA World Championship.

The 27-year-old power forward was easily the game’s top player after pouring in 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Because of Lietuvos Rytas’ +14 differential in the two meetings with Zalgiris, the Vilnius club ended the regular season in first place in the Baltic League.

FIBA