"Flying under the radar": Bullet ready to prove pedigree

Brisbane Bullets' high-profile recruit Arnas Velička has officially arrived on Australian soil for his first professional season outside of Europe, with plenty of expectations placed on his shoulders.

The Lithuanian star arrives for the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season fresh off an MVP season in the Lietuvos Krepšinio Lyga, in which he also led the EuroCup competition in assists. Not only that, but the 26-year-old has also established himself in the national team setup, alongside NBA veterans Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valančiūnas.

It's because of this pedigree that 2009 NBL champion Mark Worthington believes the crafty point guard is an "MVP smokey" alongside the likes of Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis. But the Bullets' floor general isn't buying into that talk, rather concentrating on getting the club back to post-season hoops in 2026-27.

"Nobody really knows me here; I like it like that. I'm flying under the radar, but after a couple of rounds, that might change," Velička said to Fox Sports.

"My goals last season before I went to the Lithuanian League, I said to the media in Lithuania, 'every League I go, I'll lead the League in assists'. I did that in Europe and the Lithuanian League, so that's what my talent is. [But] my main goal is the team goal, which is to get as many wins as possible and get the Bullets back on the winning track."

The 2024 Lietuvos Krepšinio Lyga champion, who has spent time in Spain, France, Italy, Germany and Estonia, is also excited to work with Will Weaver.

"The main reason [I signed in Brisbane] was the coach, Will Weaver, who had a great pitch and really believed in me and wanted me to come in.

"He thought that would be a great fit here, and [I was keen to get] out of my comfort zone after being in so many places around Europe."

Joining Velička on the Bullets' revamped roster are Tyrell Harrison, Jacob Holt, Sam McDaniel, Taine Murray, Mitch Norton, Rio Bruton, Josh Duach, Nate Hinton, Max Mackinnon, Lat Mayen, Billy McRae, Harry Rouhliadeff and Jaylin Williams.

The Bullets open their NBL27 campaign with a historic Open Air Game against New Zealand at Pat Rafter Arena on Tuesday, September 22.

Read the full story here >> ‘Flying under the radar’: MVP threat ready to turn heads as Euro star reveals why he chose Bullets