Dream Still Alive for Raptors Valanciunas and Kleiza

Toronto Raptors Linas Kleiza and Jonas Valanciunas remain on course for a place at the London 2012 Olympics with Lithuania, despite falling to a stunning upset at the hands of Nigeria. Al Dannity looks at some big positives for Raptors fans from the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Venezuela.

Raps lead the way
After a poor opening game, Jonas Valanciunas showed just why Raptors fans are hungry to see the Lithuanian in the NBA next season. The 7-footer played just 9 minutes against Venezuela in Lithuania’s first game, a 100-82 win over hosts Venezuela, but went 5 of 6 for 10 points and 5 rebounds in 23 minutes against Nigeria on Wednesday. Linas Kleiza had 22 points in that 86-80 loss to Nigeria, to add to his 28 points against Venezuela. The difference in chemistry was evident between games. While Lithuania lost their second encounter, the Baltic powerhouse found Valanciunas with far greater ease and that ensured they stayed competitive throughout the game.

The 12-team Olympic Qualifying tournament is divided into four three-team groups. The strong display by Valanciunas meant that despite losing, Lithuania still finished above Nigeria and topped Group B. That gives them what should, in theory, be an easier route through the remaining rounds. With the eight remaining nations fighting it out for just three places in London, Kleiza and Valanciunas know they have their work cut out to claim one of those prized spots for Lithuania.

Win or go home
Tensions will be high in Lithuania’s next game, on Friday, when they face Puerto Rico in the Quarter Finals. A defeat here and Lithuania would miss out on the Olympics for the first time since gaining independence from the former Soviet Union. That would be a shocking result for a nation that has been to the semi-finals in five straight Olympic tournaments. Like Lithuania, Puerto Rico has one win and one loss in this tournament. Their win was a dominant 93-52 performance against Jordan but they suffered a convincing 98-84 defeat to Greece on Wednesday.

With J.J. Barea the only NBA player on the current roster, Puerto Rico will be big underdogs in this match-up. Should Lithuania progress they will face a fascinating match-up against either Macedonia or the Dominican Republic. Macedonia shocked Lithuania at the quarter final stage of last year’s EuroBasket, a competition hosted by the Basketball-mad nation. After that loss in front of their home fans, Lithuania would love to secure Olympic qualification by gaining revenge for that defeat. Valanciunas and Kleiza know the alternative opponent will be no easier to overcome. This Dominican Republic is being coached by none other than John Calipari, head coach of NCAA Basketball champions Kentucky, and feature Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks as their starting center.

With the race for Steve Nash over, Raptors fans will have plenty to distract them in Venezuela as the future of the franchise fights to bring Lithuania back to the Olympics.

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