Holly MacKenzie - Raptors.com
Getting to compete in the Olympics is an opportunity that many people never get to experience. The trio of Toronto Raptors in Rio recognize this and have been doing their best to make the most of the opportunity.
Heading into Wednesday’s quarterfinals, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan have helped the U.S. Team to a 5-0 record in the preliminary round. Lowry has been the team’s best option at point guard. DeRozan has popped off the bench to provide scoring and give the starters a breather. Both have impressed the coaching staff with their ability to adapt to their roles on a team of superstar players. Jonas Valanciunas has had a bit of an up-and-down start in Rio, but Lithuania made it through preliminary action with a 3-2 record to finish third in their group, setting up a favourable schedule moving forward.
When the guys have been away from the floor, there’s been time to play tourist and get sightseeing in as well as birthdays to celebrate and presidents to pose with.
Below, a look at what Lowry, DeRozan and Valanciunas have been up to when not suiting up on court in Rio:
DeRozan got things stared with his Instagram video from the team plane going viral when a grumpy Carmelo Anthony stole the show by refusing to join his teammates in a rendition of Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles.”
Valanciunas started his Rio experience by snapping a quick selfie with Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite:
Prior to preliminary action, Valanciunas and teammate Robertas Javtokas crossed an important item off the to-do list, posing in front of Christ the Redeemer while decked out in Lithuania basketball gear and massive smiles:
Valanciunas and his teammates also managed to fit in little bit of golf:
DeRozan celebrated his birthday on August 7, turning 27. Despite being away from family and friends, he was showered with appreciation by his teammates as well as by the NBA family as a whole. Lowry wrote a heartfelt and lengthy Instagram post to his bestie, highlighting all that the two have accomplished and endured since becoming teammates in Toronto:
Like Valanciunas and the Lithuanian team, Lowry and DeRozan made the trip to see Christ the Redeemer, posing for group photos:
Lowry was sure to snap plenty of photos and videos to document the memories forever, smile plastered over his face:
Like Lowry, DeRozan was all smiles as the group continued their tour:
Of course, in addition to the sightseeing, there have been practice sessions, plenty of team dinners, and time to check out other athletes competing. Although neither Lithuania nor the U.S. Team have looked as sharp as they’d like through preliminaries, the true test will come in the quarterfinals where the tournament begins in earnest.
Valanciunas and Lithuania will kick off the quarterfinals against Australia on Wednesday at 10 a.m. ET, while the U.S. Will face Argentina — and former Raptor Luis Scola — at 5:45 p.m. ET.