25
Sep
Code Sports
The downfall and NBL redemption of Arnas Velicka
Arnas Velicka of the Bullets warms up ahead of the 2026 NBL Blitz match between the Brisbane Bullets and Tasmania JackJumpers at Red Energy Arena on September 03, 2026 in Bendigo, Australia. Photo: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images for NBL
Highlights
Velicka is rebuilding his career in Brisbane to help the Bullets to their former glory
- The hero Brisbane hoops fans needed is finally here
- Velicka is gonna getcha a bucket of SuperCoach points
- Velicka to Harrison mirrors iconic NBA duo
Lithuanian sensation Arnas Velicka has the NBL world buzzing after his record-breaking debut for the Brisbane Bullets but he still remembers the dark days when “people tried to bring me down”, writes Matt Logue from Code Sports.
Continued developmental challenges, combined with his own impatience prompted critics to question Velicka’s long-term future in the game.
He was highly rated when he signed with Barcelona B’s youth system as a baby-faced 16-year-old but struggled to establish the efficiency required to crack the first-string EuroLeague roster.
Velicka was plagued by poor shooting numbers, as shown during a 17-18 stretch with Barcelona when he averaged a low 38.1 per cent from the field and 25.6 per cent from the three-point line.
Consequently, Barcelona repeatedly loaned him out to other European clubs for development. It was a difficult period but Velicka has refused to let it define him.
He produced a breakout year in the 2025–26 season, leading the EuroCup in assists (7.7 per game) and earning Lithuanian League MVP honours with Neptūnas.
Velicka had opportunities to sign for more money in Spain but chose to take his career to the NBL and Brisbane on the other side of the world to continue his redemption story.
“When people are trying to put you down you have to climb your way back up and that is what I’m doing now,” said Velicka — who dropped 23 points and 14 assists in Tuesday’s season-opening win over the Breakers — the most assists ever by an NBL player on debut.
“When I was younger I was a big name in Europe and I went to Barcelona and had a setback there. I wanted everything too quick and I was forcing it too much and I was burnt out for some time.
“People talked badly about my name and I think that was my setback. Now I’m trying to build my name back up because my game never really left but when you are on a high you are a big deal but it can quickly change when something doesn’t go the right way.”
For the full story on Code Sports Basketball, click here.
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