Jonas Valanciunas is unlikely to play for the Raptors before the 12-13 NBA season, but is looking forward to living in Toronto.

“Toronto is an international city with a lot of Lithuanians,” said Valanciunas. “After the draft, a lot of Lithuanians wrote me on Facebook telling me that if I need any help, just get back at them. I’m really happy by the chance of playing in Toronto.”

Valanciunas was the fifth overall pick in the draft, but only recently began believing the NBA would be in his future during the early part of last season.

“(It was then) that I realized I could make it into the NBA,” Valanciunas said. “The scouts came to watch my games and spoke with me. That’s when I realized I could make it.”