Jonas Valanciunas' busy offseason included trips to Oregon for sprint training, Spain for FIBA World Cup

Set to enter his third full season with the Raptors, Jonas Valanciunas hopes a travel-filled offseason will help propel him and his team to even greater heights in Toronto.

The 22-year-old big man made two trips to the University of Oregon in Eugene to train with the school’s head strength and conditioning coach Jim Radcliffe.

Jeff Weltman, the Raptors' vice president of operations, said that the front office had been looking for ways for Valanciunas to get quicker.

"We were all talking about getting JV with some sort of track coach where his footwork and his speed could be worked on," explained Weltman. "I think they did want to make him more efficient and not just in his running but in general being on the balls of his feet, his balance against contact. It wasn’t just so [he] could run a faster 40-yard dash."

"Speed is the priority. High knees, form, technique, how to run, how to use less energy, how to turn with less steps," Valanciunas said was the focus of his sessions with Radcliffe. "It is difficult. I still catch myself doing old habits but I’m working on it."

These subtle changes will pay dividends on both ends of the court. Improved speed and an efficient running style will help Valanciunas run the floor and establish deep position in the post before his opponents get set up.

Defensively he will be able to move around more effectively which is especially important in an NBA game that has become so pick-and-roll heavy on offence.

"When you are able to get back and contest the shot and you are on time on defence to help somebody or rotate to your guy or someone else’s guy it’s going to help a lot," said Valanciunas.

Valanciunas' next summer trip, to Spain for the FIBA World Cup with Lithuania, is where the results from his work with Radcliffe began to take shape. He emerged as his country's leader, scoring 25 points and grabbing nine rebounds in Lithuania's 95-93 loss to France in the bronze medal game, capping off an impressive showing at the tournament.

 "I thought you could see the difference even this summer at the World Cup, no question," said Weltman. "I think his balance is better and I think he’s running better and he sees the way he needs to train in a different light."

With the offseason work done and the regular season tipping off in three weeks, Valanciunas and the Raptors have their sights set on their next destination ─ another trip to the playoffs.

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