Like Arvydas Sabonis, Šarunas Marčiulionis, Žydrūnas Ilgauskas and Darius Songaila before them, the Lithuanian pair would go on to be selected in the NBA Draft in New York City.

Kleiza, 20, was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with pick 27; a franchise which had gained a popular Lithuanian following through Sabonis in the late 19