Martynas Andriuškevičius

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Martynas Andriuškevičius
Position	Center
Height	7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
Weight	240 lb (109 kg)
Team	Chicago Bulls
Nationality	Lithuania
Born	March 12, 1986 (age 21) Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR, Soviet Union
Draft	2^nd round, 44^th overall, 2005 Orlando Magic
Pro career	2005–present
Former teams	Cleveland Cavaliers 2005-06

Martynas Andriuškevičius (pronounced Mahr-teen-us Un-drew-shcke-vihch-ews) (born March 12, 1986 in Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR, Soviet Union) is a Lithuanian professional basketball player. His rights are currently held by the NBA's Chicago Bulls, who recently assigned him to the minor-league Dakota Wizards.

Andriuškevičius was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the 44th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. He was then traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers before being traded to the Bulls.

At 2.19 m (7 ft 2 in) and 109 kg (240 lb), he is an intriguing prospect because of his height. He was originally projected as one of the top picks in the draft, but a disappointing season in Europe and an apparent lack of improvement sent his draft stock spiraling down.

Andriuškevičius has noted perimeter skill for a player of his size, and has trained with former NBA center Arvydas Sabonis.

On August 18, 2006, Andriuškevičius was traded by the Cavaliers to the Chicago Bulls for swingman Eddie Basden.

On December 21, 2006, Andriuškevičius sustained a serious head injury when he was attacked by Awvee Storey. Andriuškevičius suffered a fractured skull, severe concussion, and a two-centimeter hematoma on the left side of his brain. Doctors initially thought it'd be months before he could speak, but he was able to within a month, and stated his desire to play basketball within a year. [1] [2]

[edit] Recent News

April 6, 2007 Head coach Scott Skiles has considered moving Martynas Andriuskevicius to the active roster. Martynas started practicing recently. [3]

March 12, 2007 Chicago Bulls doctors have cleared Martynas Andriuskevicius to participate in contact practices. The Chicago Tribune says this is "a remarkable recovery from the serious brain injury". [4]