Jonas Valanciunas’ play this season has been praised by many across the NBA. ESPN’s Chad Ford has recently mentioned that he would be the second overall pick if he were to be in the 2012 NBA draft, which features the likes of Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond and possibly Michael Kidd-Gilchirst.
During the 2011-12 Eurocup regular season, Valanciunas averaged 8.5 points per game and 6.2 rebounds, but picked it up in the Last 16 round, where he averaged 13.2 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. He is currently averaging 10.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks through 12 games.
Comparison: 2010/11 season vs 2011/12 season
The two things that stand out from the chart would be his minutes and his fouls. His foul rate has decreased from 8.2 per 40 minutes last season in the Euroleague, to 5.5 fouls per 40 minutes in the Eurocup. It has allowed him to play 8.4 more minutes per game this season.
This area has been a major concern for Valanciunas because he had struggled with foul trouble over the course of his basketball career. Valanciunas converts his shot attempts at a very high rate so it is important that he is on the floor at all times.
Player’s PER ratings generally drop when they receive more minutes, but that isn’t the case with Valanciunas. He is getting to the line more, and while his free throw percentage did drop from last year, 80 percent at the charity stripe from a center is still very good. His block rates and assists rates have also increased from last year.
All of this bodes well for Lietuvos Rytas as they begin the quarter final round later this month.
Valanciunas’ highlights from the 2011-12 season:
Valanciunas’ highlights from the all-star game:
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