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Robertas Javtokas, Lithuania
From
FibaEurope.com: What if his motorcycle had not crashed into a van,
on May 1st, 2002, as Javtokas was driving at 140 kilometres per hour on a
Vilnius road? What if he had not spent sixteen months wondering: am I going to
walk again? Javtokas would have become on of the best defensive centers in
Europe… Well, actually, he is! The 2004 Olympics proved that he could also
compete with NBA stars. His assets? A great body, perfect timing for blocks and
astounding leaping ability. At age 18, he won the LKL Slam Dunk Contest by
dunking on a rim… 3.592 meters high! His offensive game is gently improving –
unlike his free-throw shooting – and Javtokas played a terrific 2005 ULEB Cup
final game (14 pts, 5 rbds and 2 blks). Lietuvos rytas Vilnius won. Left Arizona
in the summer of 1999, "tired of sitting on the bench". |
Name: Robertas Javtokas Nickname: N/A Born: 03/20/1980 Status: Active Origin: Šiauliai, Lithuania Height: 6-10/2,08m Weight: 225lbs/112kg Schools: Bishop McGuiness HS (Winston-Salem, N.C.), St. Mary's High School (Akron, Ohio), University of Arizona (left Arizona in 1999) Drafted: 2001, Second Round, 56th pick overall by the San Antonio Spurs Languages: Lithuanian, English Website: InterBasket Teams (jersey): Lithuanian National Team (12,15), Siauliai (Lithuania-LKL), University of Arizona, Lietuvos Rytas (15) Ibn Notes: On May 1st, 2002 Javtokas was riding his motorcycle at 140 kilometres per hour (about 87mph) on a Vilnius road. Javtokas came up behind a van. Robertas went to pass the van on it's left side, unfortunately for Javtokas, it was at the same time the van was attempting to make a left turn. The resulting crash sent Javtokas flying off his bike, into oncoming traffic, and into a hospital where not only his basketball career was in question, but the rest of his life. Javtokas' thighbone was crushed, and his shoulder, knee and kidneys were injured in the crash, the doctor said that his helmet saved his life but was uncertain if Javtokas would ever play basketball again. Four years later, Javtokas has worked his way back into great playing shape and has shown to be one of the better defensive centers in the EuroLeague. And prior to the 2006-07 NBA Season, there are rumblings that Javtoksa will sign a contract with the San Antonio Spurs.  From
Wikipedia.com: Javtokas has very good athletic abilities, long arms and
good coordination. Good jumper, who can easily dunk in the traffic. Still has to
work on his technique and to improve his free-throw shooting. He can run the
floor and make plays on the perimeter with his good athletic ability, nice size,
and good hops. Not a bad rebounder and becoming a good defender as well.
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| Robertas Javtokas Links From our forum: Javtokas Videos?, Is it true? Is Javtokas signing with Spurs on July 12?, can someone translate - about Javtokas Lithuania Basketball Forum Articles and other resources: Javtokas' career in jeopardy after motorcycle wreck (ESPN.com), Robertas Javtokas Interview (Euroleague), Robertas Javtokas Highlights "Lietuvos ryte" (YouTube) | |