Bullets star’s NBL future hinges on one factor

The Raul Neto sweepstakes appear to be heating up, with Arnas Velička’s return from injury opening the door for the Brazilian guard to plot his next move.

Neto’s stint as the Brisbane Bullets’ injury replacement could soon be up, and while there’s no shortage of interest in where he lands, he says the decision won’t come down to basketball alone.

“I’ve been enjoying it. I don’t know what’s going to happen (next),” Neto said on NBL Now, presented by CODE Sports.

“There’s a lot that comes for me on what’s next, and it’s not just about where I want to be, and not just about basketball.

“I have to look at my family. I want to be around my three kids and just be able to be with them. If things work out where they can be with me here, then that would be great.”

Neto arrived in Brisbane as cover for Velička, who was sidelined early in the season with a quad injury. The former NBA journeyman wasted no time adjusting to the NBL, steering the Bullets to some key wins and producing a string of highlights along the way. Through his first 6 games, he's averaged 9.7 points and 5.3 assists while shooting 52.4 per cent from the field.

“The competitiveness of this league has impressed me,” Neto said.

“We see teams that are at the bottom of the league just beating teams that are at the top of the league, and I think anybody can beat anybody, on a bad night or on a good night.”

Experts have had their say on where Neto’s future lies and which team would suit him best, but as he weighs up his options, the star guard has been clear that one factor will decide it.

“I would love to keep playing in this league,” he said.

“(But) it’s been not even a month, and it’s been hard to be away from the family, and it’s not something I really want to keep doing.

“I’m trying to work things out with my family and see what we can figure out, and if that works out, I’ll be happy to stay in the NBL.”