Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic praised Jonas Valančiūnas as a perfect fit for any team and spoke on basketball evolution, EuroLeague growth, and NCAA reforms during the 2025 EHCB Congress, emphasizing how players—not systems—shape the modern game.a
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic spoke to Novasports during the 2025 EuroLeague EHCB Coaches Congress in Athens, sharing high praise for Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas, while also addressing broader topics such as the evolution of basketball, the EuroLeague’s global growth, and changes in the NCAA landscape.
Points this season
Toronto Raptors
NBA
Rajaković didn’t hold back in his admiration for Valančiūnas, who is reportedly on the verge of signing with Panathinaikos in a blockbuster move to Europe.
"I had the privilege to work with Jonas in Memphis. I have huge respect for him—he’s a warrior, brings amazing energy every single night, and he’s a winner. He’s the type of player every team in the world would love to have. He can score, pass, rebound—he does it all. There’s no team he wouldn’t fit on."
These comments further validate reports that the 32-year-old big man is set to return to Europe on a three-year, €12 million deal with Panathinaikos, after an impressive NBA career and recent interest from EuroLeague giants.
Rajakovic emphasized that players—not systems—shape the future of basketball:
"Players are always one step ahead. Just look at Jokic or Giannis—your job is to adapt to their style, not force something on them. You have to learn from your players, not the other way around. That’s the essence of modern coaching."
The Raptors coach highlighted how much easier it is now to follow basketball across all levels, which has led to the EuroLeague’s rising popularity:
"There’s been massive growth in the past 10–15 years. Now it’s so easy to watch games—I’ve got cable TV and a few apps at home, and I can watch Greek second division, the Adriatic League, Spanish league… 20 years ago, that was unthinkable. We’re lucky to live in this era."
Rajakovic applauded recent reforms in college basketball that now allow young athletes to get paid for their contributions:
"It’s great what’s happening with college basketball. Young players—18, 19, 20 years old—are competing in packed arenas and getting paid. In the past, all they got was a scholarship and a dorm room. Now, they’re earning their share of the ticket revenue, and it’s amazing. If you want young European players to stay in Europe, pay them better."
Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.