Photo: fiba.basketball

Jonas Valanciunas wasted little time making an impact after beginning a new chapter of his career with Zalgiris Kaunas, via Alessandro di Bari of Sportando.

The Lithuanian veteran left the NBA to join Zalgiris on a two-season agreement, bringing his career back to his home country.

His first preseason appearance offered an early glimpse of what he could provide.

Valanciunas needed only 19 minutes to register 20 points and nine rebounds in Zalgiris’ win against Riga Zelli.

For Valanciunas, however, the bigger takeaway was simply being back with the club and beginning the process of preparing for the season.

“It’s great to be back, put the green jersey on again and play basketball. The game was a test, a chance to see where we are. We’re still working on things and trying to put everything together.

“We’ve only been together for a week, and it was a very intense one. There’s still a lot to improve, but that’s exactly why we’re here.

“We got together early so we would have enough time to put everything in place. I think we’re heading in the right direction.”