<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">RICHMOND, Oct. 3 -- Darius Songaila has a street named after him in Vilnius, Lithuania -- a reward for helping the Lithuanian national team win the 2000 European Championships. It's doubtful that Songaila will ever be honored the same way in Washington, but if the 6-foot-9, 248-pound forward plays some tough defense, grabs a few rebounds and knocks down the occasional jump shot this season, he'll certainly carve out a place for himself in the hearts of the Wizards' fans. Washington signed Songaila to a five-year, $21 million contract this summer and feels he can be an important piece in the team's efforts to become a championship contender. Those plans suffered a temporary setback Tuesday when Songaila was unable to participate in the first training camp practices at Virginia Commonwealth University because of soreness in his lower back. Songaila, who hurt his back while playing with the Lithuanian national team this summer, went through a few light drills but will otherwise stay out of contact situations until his back feels stronger. "I kind of tweaked it a little bit right before the world championships and then I played through it so right now it's sore," Songaila said. "I've been working with [athletic trainer Eric Waters], rehabbing, trying to get it better. We're working on it and I'm hoping to get back soon." When he does return, Songaila should have no problems adapting to Coach Eddie Jordan's offense because he played in a similar system as a member of the Sacramento Kings during the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons. Jordan has built his offense in the mold of the one created by Pete Carril, the former Princeton University coach who was an assistant with Sacramento when Songaila played there. "It's very transferable," Jordan said. "He played for Pete Carril out there, and I know Pete showed him some principles and concepts of the offense. What to see. How to play off the ball. How to make passes. How to play the two- and three-man games. I haven't seen him yet in the offense because he just went through drills today, but I'm anticipating it will be a really easy transition."</div> Source
