Career: New Hampton High-School (USA-High School, 1997-98), Wake Forest (USA-NCAA, 1998-2002), CSKA Moscow (Russia-Superleague, 2002-03), Sacramento Kings (USA-NBA, 2003-05), Chicago Bulls (USA-NBA, 2005-06), Washington Wizzards (USA-NBA, 2006-07). Selected in the second round of the 2002 NBA draft (#50) by the Boston Celtics
Like many of is fellow countrymen, Songaila chose to fly to the United States in 1997 and after two great years in high school he found his way to Wake Forest University, where he had the unenviable task of replacing Tim Duncan. He impressed NBA scouts, averaging 17.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game and was drafted in the second round of the 2002 draft by Boston Celtics. But Boston was reluctant to sign him and Darius decided to come back to Europe, where he chose to sign with CSKA Moscow. He has proven to be a consistent and energetic power forward. Willing using his body under the basket, Songaila is also very dangerous off the dribble and an excellent offensive rebounder. He returned to the NBA in 2003, but with Vlade Divac, Chris Webber and Brad Miller in Sacramento, he did not have a lot of playing time. He did prove that he belongs in the NBA after he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2005. Playing in the Windy City, he averaged over nine points and four rebounds in 21 minute of action per game. His strong play and solid numbers caught the attention of Washington Wizards’ scouts who decided to sign Darius to a long-term contract in 2006. Although a back injury delayed the start of his career in Washington, Songaila successfully recovered and played in the last 38 games of the season and averaged 11 points and over three rebounds in the 2007 NBA Playoffs. |