From Lithuania to Toronto for Raptors' draft pick

By foxsports
Published

Lithuania's Jonas Valanciunas (YOH'-nahs vah-lahn-CHOO'-nuhs) is ready for the next stage of his basketball life in Toronto.

The 7-foot center was introduced Friday and given uniform No. 17, one day after he was selected fifth overall by the Toronto Raptors.

The 19-year-old player says he's excited and happy to see his jersey and his team. He is looking forward to living in Toroonto and finds the whole experience so far ''amazing.''

The 230-pounder says he needs to get stronger.

The Raptors will need to buy out his contract with his Lithuanian team if they want him in camp as soon as possible. His agent says Valanciunas would like that to happen.