{"id":258234,"date":"2026-08-17T03:16:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T03:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/17\/flying-under-the-radar-mvp-threat-ready-to-turn-heads-as-euro-star-reveals-why-he-chose-bullets\/"},"modified":"2026-08-17T03:16:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T03:16:00","slug":"flying-under-the-radar-mvp-threat-ready-to-turn-heads-as-euro-star-reveals-why-he-chose-bullets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/17\/flying-under-the-radar-mvp-threat-ready-to-turn-heads-as-euro-star-reveals-why-he-chose-bullets\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Flying under the radar\u2019: MVP threat ready to turn heads as Euro star reveals why he chose Bullets"},"content":{"rendered":"

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He is one of the most under-the-radar import signings of the off-season and a serious dark horse for Most Valuable Player in 2026-27.<\/p>\n

New Brisbane Bullets signing Arnas Veli\u010dka has landed in Australia, bringing with him a wealth of European experience, a Lithuanian MVP award and a hunger to help his new team succeed. By season\u2019s end, he could also establish himself as the league\u2019s best passer.<\/p>\n

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The 26-year-old Veli\u010dka spoke exclusively to Fox Sports Australia<\/i>, detailing how he landed with the Bullets, his expectations for the season and his run-ins with familiar NBL alumni during his time overseas.<\/p>\n

The 6\u20195 guard is ready to show Australia why he should be in the same conversation as the likes of Cole Anthony, Kendric Davis and Bryce Cotton among the league\u2019s top guards.<\/p>\n

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Bryce Cotton, Arnas Veli\u010dka and Kendric Davis are just three of several elite guards who\u2019ll suit up for the 2026-2027 NBL season.<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Growing up in Kaunas, Lithuania, Veli\u010dka has traded snowy winters for the Queensland summer, marking the first time he has ventured outside Europe during his professional career.<\/p>\n

But before making the move to Australia, Veli\u010dka\u2019s journey took him across Europe, including a stint with German club L\u00f6wen Braunschweig in 2021 that helped set the path for what was to come.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it was. I remember that season, really, really good memories from there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe coach was an American coach, Peter Strobl. So he recruited me to come there and I was still young, like 20 years old, and he gave me a lot of freedom in offence.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was probably the first time when I really felt the game that I played in youth level translated to the men level. It was really good memories.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause I came there in the middle of the season, we went on an eight-game winning streak. So yeah, great memories. It was a good team. A lot of players went to a higher level.<\/p>\n

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Arnas Veli\u010dka playing for L\u00f6wen Braunschweig in 2021.<\/span>Source: getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI ended up coming back to the team four years later, so great memories from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

During a journey across Europe that would see him play in Germany, Italy and Lithuania, Veli\u010dka had his fair share of run-ins with familiar NBL faces, including Melbourne United big man Sam Waardenburg and Phoenix head coach Josh King, who previously coached Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany.<\/p>\n

But when asked whether that familiarity with NBL personnel made the decision to come to Australia any easier, Veli\u010dka pointed instead to the opportunity to step outside his comfort zone and challenge himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think it was more like going out of my comfort zone because I\u2019ve been many places around Europe, but, you know, I never played outside of Europe, so it was something new, something interesting that I wanted to try myself and make a new challenge and see how it is out here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe main reason was the coach, Will Weaver who had a great pitch and really believed in me and wanted me to come in.<\/p>\n

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New Brisbane Bullets coach Will Weaver<\/span>Source: Supplied<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cHe thought that would be a great fit here. So, yeah, I believe in his vision and, you know, so far it\u2019s great out here.\u201d<\/p>\n

For any import, adjusting to life in Australia can present challenges. For Veli\u010dka, it hasn\u2019t just been the change in climate, with one of his biggest adjustments coming behind the wheel on Queensland roads.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest adjustment probably was the driving and driving the other side of the road. Everything is opposite. So, yeah, it challenges your brain. So I think I\u2019m getting a grip of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the beginning I was accidentally going to opposite lanes, so it was a little bit stressful, but right now I\u2019m getting a hand of it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: NBL roster state of play: All the signings, spots still to fill and verdict on every team<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

With his arrival comes an impressive pass-first resum\u00e9, having led both Lithuania\u2019s LKL and the EuroCup in assists last season.<\/p>\n

That makes his potential pairing with big man Tyrell Harrison an enticing prospect for Bullets fans, and Veli\u010dka has already been impressed by what he has seen from his new teammate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe played already a couple of times, so, you know, it\u2019s very easy to play with him. I\u2019m just passing to him, he\u2019s dunking it, so I think you will see a lot of that.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he\u2019s a great guy. I was surprised how mobile and agile he is, and around the rim, like, finishing stuff. I was impressed by him and I\u2019m looking forward to passing many balls to him,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Tyrell Harrison and Veli\u010dka could become one of the leagues deadliest pick-and-roll combos this season. (Photo by Chris Hyde\/Getty Images)<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Veli\u010dka enters the NBL without the same fanfare as some of the league\u2019s other high-profile guards.<\/p>\n

Cole Anthony and Skylar Mays are among the headline additions, while Parker Jackson-Cartwright, Kendric Davis and six-time MVP Bryce Cotton are already established stars.<\/p>\n

Veli\u010dka understands why his name hasn\u2019t yet been thrown into those conversations. But by season\u2019s end, there is every chance the Lithuanian could find himself in the mix across several award categories.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, I understand it, probably nobody really knows me here, so I like it like that. I like that I\u2019m flying under the radar, maybe, you know, couple of rounds and we will see what happens.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, you know, like my goals last season before I went to the Lithuania League, I said to the media in Lithuania \u2018Every league I go, I\u2019ll lead the league in assists,\u2019 you know. So I did that in Europe and Lithuania League, so, you know, that\u2019s what kind of my talent is.<\/p>\n

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Arnas Velicka of Lithuania plays during the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 Quarter-Finals match between Lithuania and Greece at Xiaomi Arena in Riga, Latvia, on September 9, 2025. (Photo by Stefanos Kyriazis\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<\/span>Source: getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cSo I think might be that, and my main goal is the team goal, which is to get as much wins as possible and get the Bullets back on winning track,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Veli\u010dka is one of three new imports on Brisbane\u2019s roster, joining Nate Hinton and Jaylin Williams as part of a new-look Bullets squad.<\/p>\n

The Lithuanian guard believes the versatility and athleticism of the pair will complement the style Brisbane wants to play under Weaver.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think both are versatile, can play in multiple positions and both have a high motor. So I think it\u2019s going to fit our game really well because it\u2019s going to push the pace, play fast tempo.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey are both athletic and I think going to be great. They\u2019re going to help on defence and in offence, it\u2019s going to give many different looks. So I\u2019m excited about the team overall and, you know, I\u2019m looking forward to start playing games,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

One of Veli\u010dka\u2019s more memorable encounters during last season\u2019s EuroCup campaign with Nept\u016bnas Klaip\u0117da came against Australian Boomer and South East Melbourne Phoenix star Mitch Creek, who was playing for U-BT Cluj-Napoca.<\/p>\n

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Arnas Veli\u010dka playing against U-BT Cluj-Napoca<\/span>Source: getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Creek erupted for 40 points in a 118-97 win, with Veli\u010dka getting a first-hand look not only at his scoring ability, but also how much the Australian likes to talk on the court.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe is a great player. I\u2019ve seen him in Canadian League, but he\u2019s a funny guy. He was talking a lot during that game, so, yeah, he put on a show.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a really bad game. Everybody was hitting threes and Mitch was going crazy. So, yeah, the day to forget for our side.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s a great player and you have many guys that you mentioned before: Bryce Hamilton, D\u2019Shawn Schwartz, I know them. They are big threats offensively, both great shooters, scorers. So, yeah, we\u2019ll need to handle them.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Both Bryce Hamilton (Tasmania) and D’Shawn Schwarts (S.E Melbourne) played in the BBL Germany for Rostock Seawolves, taking on Veli\u010dka.<\/span>Source: Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Veli\u010dka already had some understanding of the NBL before making the move, but once Brisbane\u2019s interest became clear, he started doing his homework.<\/p>\n

That included diving into YouTube and watching last season\u2019s finals, where the battle between Cotton and Davis gave him a glimpse of the guard talent awaiting him in Australia.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a good understanding about the league, how it goes. When I heard about that they\u2019re [Brisbane] interested in me, I was watching a lot of YouTube videos, watching all these finals that happened last year.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was impressive, you know, dual with Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis. So, yeah, it was nice to see that and, you know, just getting familiar with the league watching YouTube content.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Kendric Davis confronts Bryce Cotton in game two of the NBL Championship.<\/span>Source: FOX SPORTS<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Veli\u010dka has played in front of some of Europe\u2019s loudest and most passionate basketball crowds, meaning the hostile environments of the NBL are unlikely to faze him.<\/p>\n

His experience with Rytas Vilnius, including the fierce rivalry with \u017dalgiris and the pressure of winning a championship, has helped shape the mentality he now brings to Brisbane.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mind crowds at all. I played in difficult environments, like you said, with Rytas Vilnius. I won championship and this is \u017dalgiris verses Rytas, a big rivalry.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter that season, when you\u2019re playing in front of that crowd, playing that atmosphere, playing the finals, winning championship, it really gives you the feeling how it is there and gives you the experience that you can carry over.<\/p>\n

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Head coach Rimas Kurtinaitis (R) of Lithuania gives tactical instructions to player Arnas Velicka (3) during the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 round of 16 match between Lithuania and Latvia at Riga Arena in Riga, Latvia on September 06, 2025. (Photo by Esra Bilgin\/Anadolu via Getty Images)<\/span>Source: getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cAnd when you experience that, then all the other stuff doesn\u2019t really bother you. So, you know, after that season, I think I don\u2019t have really much pressure,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just go to the games, you know, feeling like it\u2019s a practice and just play my game, run my team, hopefully do everything to win. So for me, it\u2019s just exciting to start something new, new league, new faces.\u201d<\/p>\n

Prior to signing with the Bullets, Veli\u010dka was understandably attracting interest elsewhere after a career-best season.<\/p>\n

Coming off an MVP campaign in Lithuania and a standout EuroCup season, his initial goal was to explore opportunities in the EuroLeague. While there was interest, nothing concrete eventuated.<\/p>\n

Brisbane, meanwhile, made its intentions clear early, and Veli\u010dka\u2019s decision ultimately came down to going where he felt wanted most.<\/p>\n

\u201cI had a great season in EuroCup, was MVP of Lithuania League, so my goal at first was the EuroLeague options and, you know, there was some interest but nothing clear.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo the Bullets came in early and really showed a lot of interest. You have to go where you\u2019re wanted the most. So, you know, I felt that here and I took a step here.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere the season is shorter, so we\u2019ll see what happens after that, how we\u2019ll perform, how we will do as a team. Right now we\u2019ll focus here and after that, you know, we\u2019ll see what options are going to come up.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy goal is right now to play and enjoy myself, have a great experience here, win a lot of games. So that\u2019s the goal right now, and as the future will be, you know, we\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bullets and NBL fans will get their first look at Veli\u010dka in Brisbane colours during the upcoming NBL Blitz in Bendigo, when the Bullets take on the Tasmania JackJumpers on 3 September at Red Energy Arena.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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He is one of the most under-the-radar import signings of the off-season and a serious dark horse for Most Valuable Player in 2026-27. New Brisbane Bullets signing Arnas Veli\u010dka has landed in Australia, bringing with him a wealth of European experience, a Lithuanian MVP award and a hunger to help his new team succeed. By […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":258235,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6807],"tags":[156],"class_list":{"0":"post-258234","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-leagues-cups","8":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/258234","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=258234"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/258234\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/258235"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=258234"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=258234"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=258234"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}