Jonas Valanciunas Reacts After Strong Žalgiris Debut
Jonas Valančiūnas needed just 19 minutes to remind Žalgiris Kaunas fans what he can bring, but the Lithuanian veteran insists the team is still in the early stages of building chemistry.
Valančiūnas made a spectacular return to Lithuanian club basketball as Žalgiris defeated Riga Zelli 97-85 in their opening preseason game.
The 34-year-old center immediately made his presence felt, finishing with 20 points, nine rebounds, six fouls drawn and a 28 efficiency rating. He shot 7-of-10 from two-point range and 6-of-7 from the free-throw line.
“It’s Great to Be Back”
Speaking after the game, Valančiūnas admitted that returning to the court wearing Žalgiris’ green jersey was a special feeling.
He also made it clear that the preseason game was primarily a test for a team that had only been together for about a week.
The Lithuanian star said the opening training week had been intense and that there was still plenty to polish, but he believes the team is moving in the right direction.
A Tough First Test
Despite Žalgiris eventually winning by 12 points, Riga Zelli made the Lithuanian champions work for the victory.
Valančiūnas praised the visitors for their aggressive defence and pressure, describing the game as a valuable test for his new-look team.
He also highlighted the difference between training and actual competition.
According to Valančiūnas, practices can prepare a team for certain situations, but the rhythm and intensity of a real game are completely different. The opening preseason matchup therefore gave Žalgiris a chance to identify areas that need improvement before the competitive season begins.
Valančiūnas Also Delivered the First Dunk
There was a lighter moment surrounding Valančiūnas’ debut.
Before the game, Žalgiris president Paulius Jankūnas had predicted that Valančiūnas would record the team’s first dunk of the contest.
The prediction came true in the fourth minute.
After the game, Valančiūnas jokingly explained that Jankūnas had already told him not to disappoint him.
The center smiled as he recalled the exchange, saying he simply had to fulfil the request.
Sabonis Predicts a Huge EuroLeague Impact
Valančiūnas’ performance has also generated excitement among fellow Lithuanians.
Tautvydas Sabonis, a former Žalgiris player and current London Lions head coach, described the signing as a huge move and predicted that Valančiūnas would be a major force in both the EuroLeague and Lithuanian Basketball League.
Sabonis pointed to the 20 points Valančiūnas scored in limited minutes during his debut as an early indication of what he could provide.
More Preseason Tests Ahead
Žalgiris followed the victory over Riga Zelli with another preseason game against Utenos Juventus and won 82-77.
The club’s preseason schedule also includes a meeting with Sabah before Žalgiris travels to London for an international tournament. The team is building toward the start of its domestic campaign on September 17 and its EuroLeague opener against Crvena zvezda on September 24.
For Valančiūnas, however, the message remains simple: the impressive debut is only the beginning.
He has returned home with enormous expectations, but the veteran center knows that Žalgiris needs time to develop chemistry, establish its rotations and integrate its new pieces.
The early signs, though, are certainly encouraging.