Valanciunas stands with Ukrainian nation: 'My heart goes to the Ukraine people' / News - Basketnews.com

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A day after Russia launched an invasion into Ukraine, New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas spoke out in opposition to the conflict.

Free throws this season

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The 29-year-old Lithuanian expressed his support for the Ukrainian people to Christian Clark of NOLA.com.

"First of all, I want to say my heart and prayers go to the Ukraine people, who are innocent," Valanciunas said. "People who are suffering, dying, and losing their loved ones. Men who are defending their country."

"War is not a solution and it has to stop," added the big man.

The publication also recalls the facts that Valanciunas was born and raised in Lithuania (Utena), an Eastern European country, which has a population of 2.7 million and declared its independence from the USSR in 1990.

In 2012, Valanciunas was featured in "The Other Dream Team" documentary that examined how the 1992 Lithuanian national team defeated the Unified Team (made up of athletes from the former Soviet Union) in the bronze medal game at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

In the movie, JV was featured as a promising prospect, whose path to the NBA was no longer closed as it was for Lithuanian basketball greats – Sarunas Marciulionis and Arvydas Sabonis.

Valanciunas was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft.

For Valanciunas, this season is statistically one of the best in his career. JV is averaging 18.0 points (57.2% 2PT, 37.6% 3PT, 82% FT), 11.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over 54 games.

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