With the fifth pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Ricky Rubio, one of a handful of international players to go in the first round. Rubio’s reputation precedes his arrival to the NBA in the form of hundreds of fans made YouTube videos and an historic appearance in last year’s Olympic Games in Beijing. In this aspect, Rubio is considered unique. Unless one is a scout, or a basketball analyst, most of the players that hail from far off lands are considered relatively unknown when they arrive to the United States. Such was the case in the matter of Sasha Vujacic.

With a flurry of international players making the NBA scene each year, one question begs to be asked: Just how well do these players adapt to the NBA and their new lifestyles in the US? Comparatively speaking, how well did Sasha adapt?

In an effort to deduce the answers to these questions one must first establish a timeline. Since it would be unfair to compare a newly drafted player to one that has already established himself in the NBA, this article is going to look at select players from within the 2003, 2004 (the year Sasha was drafted), and 2005 draft classes. Then we’re going to go old school on this and hand out letter grades based on a few distinct characteristics. A player will be scrutinized based on the degree to which they have moved around in the NBA, their popularity, their versatility, and demeanor on the court. At the end of this analysis, each player will have acquired a grade point average. Attention everyone, this is your principal speaking, class is officially in session.

Mickael Pietrus: France

Trade Resistance…B: Pietrus was drafted by the Golden State Magic in 2004, and after a couple of seasons with them, proceed to sign with the Orlando Magic. Beyond the first team an athlete plays for, they will get demoted one letter grade. My reasoning for this is that it is simply difficult to establish a sense of self within any given community if one moves around too much.

Versatility…A: Although he primarily plays the position of shooting guard, he can slide down and play small forward. The ability to change up your game, and play another position for your team, are both signs of one’s ability to adapt. He is also a good offensive and defensive player.

Demeanor…B: Prior to the 2008-2009 season, Pietrus did not have a reputation as being a hot headed, or “dirty,” player on the court. It’s important to maintain one’s cool no matter the situation, which is why I cannot give Pietrus an A in light of the two handed, closed fisted, flagrant foul he committed against Pau Gasol in Game 4 of the Finals.

Popularity…B: Since I am gauging popularity based on official websites, fan websites, and known nicknames, Pietrus gets a B. He does have an official website and has been nicknamed “Air France,” but the lack of fan fare online prevents him from getting the A.

GPA…3.25

Zaza Pachulia: Georgia

Trade Resistance…C: After being drafted by the Bobcats, Pachulia was immediately traded to the Orlando Magic. Since then he has played with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks. While it is often not the fault of a player when he is traded or resigns, it does knock off points for adaptability. One can hardly establish a home in one city if they’re not there.

Versatility…B: Points for being able to play both the center and power forward positions. While being limited by his physicality on the defensive end, Pachulia makes up for what he lacks on the offense by being creative.

Demeanor…B: There’s not a lot one can trust when researching a player’s reputation online. People are often biased, but I can gauge his from what I see with my own eyes by doing a couple basic keyword searches on YouTube.

Popularity…B: Pachulia does have an official website in addition to some fan presence on the internet.

GPA…2.75

Beno Udrih: Slovenia

Trade Resistance…B: Udrih was drafted, and played for, the San Antonio Spurs starting in 2004. Later, he signed with the Sacramento Kings.

Versatility…B: Not much to be seen in the way of versatility, as Udrih is a pure point guard. At his best, his offensive has known to be explosive, and his crossovers even once sent Kobe Bryant to the floor.

Demeanor…A: From what I can tell, and from what I have seen, Udrih has a calm, collected demeanor out of the court.

Popularity…B: There doesn’t seem to be an official website for Udrih, but there are some fan sites out there for him.

GPA…3.25

Anderson Varejao: Brazil

Trade Resistance…A: Part of Sasha’s draft class, Varejao was also drafted in 2004 and immediately traded to Cleveland, where he has played ever since.

Versatility…B: Varejao plays both the center and power forward positions for the Cavaliers. He is not known to be a particularly dangerous player on the offense, but his defense has definitely gotten him noticed.

Demeanor…C: Anyone who has seen this guy play knows that he is an emotional player and that can sometimes get him into a bit of trouble, but he’s hardly been of harm to anyone. In addition, Varejao is known for his “flopping” and adamant arguing of calls.

Popularity…B: While he doesn’t have an official website there is some fan presence out on the internet for Varejao. Also, his hair has gotten him lots of attention, just like Sasha’s, and even set the world record for most people wearing wigs at a single event. No, I’m not joking.

GPA…3.00

Linas Kleiza: Lithuania

Trade Resistance…A: After being drafted in 2005, Kleiza has only played for the Denver Nuggets.

Versatility…B: Kleiza is able to play both the small forward and power forward positions. Recently, his weapon of choice has been the 3 point shot, as I’m sure all of you Lakers fans remember in our most recent playoff meeting with the Nuggets. However, his defense definitely needs improvement.

Demeanor…B: I’m knocking off points for an incident or two that happened in Europe, otherwise we’ve seen a pretty collected, smart guy out on the court in the NBA.

Popularity…C: Kleiza is a young guy with plenty of time to develop, and definitely one to watch out when he’s behind that three-point line. Although he doesn’t have an official site, there is some fan love out there for him.

GPA…3.0

Marcin Gortat: Poland

Trade Resistance…B: After being drafted by the Suns, he’s only ever played for the Orlando Magic in the NBA, allowing himself time and giving his new situation some stability. Minus points for playing in D-League, however.

Versatility…B: Gortat can play both the center and power forward positions. While his offense can use some work, his defense is pretty solid.

Demeanor…A: Out on the court, one can feel his presence, and while he does become emotional, he does so to show that he cares and is not out to harm anyone or cause a commotion.

Popularity…B: Gortat does have an official website and a degree of fan presence out on the Internet. They also call him “The Polish Hammer!”

GPA…3.25

Sasha Vujacic: Slovenia

Trade Resistance…A: Since being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004, guess how many other teams Sasha has played for in the NBA? That’s right, zero. It’s allowed him to call LA, and Redondo Beach, “home” for the duration of his stay.

Versatility…B: Although Sasha has played shooting guard for the Lakers, he had to make the transition from playing point guard in Europe. He is both a pesky defender, and a dangerous shooter from beyond the arc.

Demeanor…B: Sasha is a very passionate player, and uses this to his advantage to frustrate his defenders. Most importantly, he keeps his cool, even during a physical altercation. However, we have sometimes seen Sasha get a little too passionate in response to certain calls.

Popularity…A: Sasha has both an official website, and a heavy fan presence out on the web. How can we forget all the classic “Machine” videos on YouTube? Also, his trademark hair has gotten him lots of attention, and while he embraces it, he does not revel in it.

GPA…3.50

Although it looks like we won’t be able to witness Rubio in the NBA for a few more seasons, his transition is not only imminent, it is anticipated. These players all showed up on draft night as virtual nobodies, and have all made a decent transition to the NBA. When necessary, they have adapted, and all of them can be considered role models for upcoming international players next year.