Darius Songaila

Darius Songaila (born on February 14, 1978 in Kapsukas (now Marijampolė), Lithuania) is a professional basketball player, currently with the NBA's Washington Wizards. He is 6'8" (2.03 m) tall and weighs 240 pounds (109 kg).

Songaila came to the United States to attend high school, and went on to a four-year career at college at Wake Forest University. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics 50th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft. After playing in Europe for a year, Songaila came back to America, and his rights were traded to the Kings. He was with the club from 2003 to 2005 before signing as a free agent with the Bulls. A solid defensive player, Songaila's career averages are about six points and four rebounds a game.

An important member of the Lithuanian national team, Songaila helped his country to the 2003 European Championship and played in 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. In his 2005-2006 season with Chicago Bulls, he played a big role on offense and defense and was a huge contributor in the post. Early in the season, though, Songaila injured his ankle and had an ankle surgery and was indefinetely out for the entire season.

The Bulls announced that Songaila would not be present for the rest of the season and also ruled out his appearance in the 2006 playoffs.

On July 17th, 2006, Songaila signed a five-year, $23 million dollar with the Washington Wizards.[1]

Teams

*1998-2002 Wake Forest Demon Deacons (NCAA)
*2002-2003 CSKA Moscow (Russia)
*2003-2005 Sacramento Kings (NBA)
*2005-2006 Chicago Bulls (NBA)
*2006-2007 Washington Wizards (NBA)

Awards/achievements

*Olympic Bronze medalist - 2000
*European champion - 2003

bat-smg:Darius Songaila