Raptors name Valanciunas starting centre

Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey has announced that 2011 first round pick Jonas Valanciunas has earned the team's starting centre role.

In six pre-season games -- five as a starter -- Valanciunas averaged 8.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He is expected to be joined in the starting five by Andrea Bargnani, Landry Fields, DeMar DeRozan and newcomer Kyle Lowry.

The Raptors kick off their season on October 31 against the Indiana Pacers in Toronto.