Darius Songaila wants to return to NBA – NBA News
Darius Songaila is a veteran in NBA, but left the league back in 2011 to play in Europe. The Lithuanian big man played nine seasons in the league for five different teams, and recently signed with BC Donetsk in Ukraine that will
see him play basketball for the club.
Many NBA fans think that basketball revolves only around the NBA, which is not a very accurate perception. Although the NBA is the most watched league in the world and often considered as the league with the most talent and drawing
the most attention, many players have found a good role for themselves in European basketball as well.
Songaila had an impressive showing in the London Olympics, where he played for his home country and impressed the coaches with his veteran game and experience. He announced his retirement from international competition after the
Olympics, and is now eyeing a return to the NBA.
However, his return is not driven by a motivation to play in the biggest league of the world, but rather to stay close to his daughter. Songaila went through a divorce earlier this year and his daughter resides in the USA.
As reported by Lithuaniabasketball.com, Songaila gave an interview to lrytas.lt and said:
“I don't want to spend the whole year somewhere in Europe far away from my daughter. It would be much better if I could live in the States, where I could visit her without too much effort.”
Songaila realizes that at the age of 34, he may not be able to land a starting spot in one of the NBA teams, and accepts the fact that his new role might be limited in the NBA.
“My role will probably be different than before. There are plenty of veterans out there, whose main goals are to help the team in practices, work with the young players and to still be able to show some skills on the court if needed,”
added Songaila.
Songaila has signed a short term contract with BC Donetsk, which allows his to leave if he finds a job in the NBA. After his performance in the Olympics, there will be a few teams in the NBA who will be willing to add him to their
roster.
Tags: