Jonas Valanciunas Promises to Shave Head and Beard if Zalgiris Wins Euroleague
In a solemn promise made on the Lithuanian television show "Stonkus Tiesiogiai," Jonas Valanciunas declared that he will shave his head and iconic beard if Zalgiris Kaunas secures victory in the Euroleague this season. This echoes a similar pledge made by Italian player Luigi Datome in 2017, whose teammates at Fenerbahçe famously cut off his ponytail after their championship win.
Valanciunas boasts an impressive resume, having played 1,002 NBA regular-season games with averages of 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds. He spent his most recent season with the Denver Nuggets, serving as Nikola Jokic's backup and averaging 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 65 appearances.
Can Zalgiris clinch the Euroleague title?
This summer, the Lithuanian club saw the departure of key players Sylvain Francisco (to Panathinaikos) and Moses Wright (to Milan). However, they managed to retain Nigel Williams-Goss, Maodo Lo, and Azuolas Tubelis. Alongside Jonas Valanciunas, Zalgiris has welcomed back Carsen Edwards, Sterling Brown, Marius Grigonis, Saben Lee, Marek Blazevic, and Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu.
While the team's acquisitions are promising, it remains to be seen if this strength will be enough to make Jonas Valanciunas part with his formidable beard.
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