Lithuanian Point Guards

[Straight forward2]

Velička hoping to stick

Lithuanian guard Arnas Velička has no allusions to grand draft expectations, he just wants a shot at playing in the NBA.

"We're going to see [where I end up], but I'm looking for a two-way contract," Velička said in his press conference Tuesday.

There hasn't been a lot of buzz around Velička during the predraft workout sessions around the NBA, but he could be a player who teams will covet for two-way contracts and Summer League. The Nuggets have an extensive track record of finding unheralded prospects and turning them into useful rotation players. Last season, Markus Howard followed a similar path and became an impact player for Denver in the playoffs. The team is well-known for spotting international talent and has a well-known former Lithuanian basketball star in Martynas Pocius in the front office.

Velička, who last starred for Löwen Braunschweig, hopes he can showcase his game in the best basketball league in the world.

"I like to run the team, get everyone touches and make everyone happy," he said.

Sounds like a potentially good fit for Mile High Basketball.

https://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/draftworkouts-20210712#

 

[Straight forward2]

A bit of the off topic, but looking at young players from all Europe and how much PG position is important, I think 3 countries stand out in terms of pure PG prospect power. It's between France, Lithuania and Spain and it probably goes hierarchy wise as well likely:

France: Killian Hayes, Theo Maledon
Lithuania: Jokubaitis, Marciulionis, Velicka
Spain: Alocen, Nunez

With that being said, Luka Doncic is the king and should be by far the best PG in the decade (probably all time), but aside this prodigy (who eventually will have difficulties playing both contending NBA and summer FIBA tournaments at the same time likely) France, Lithuania and Spain has best pure point guard prospects in Europe, IMO.

 

[Svajunas2]

A bit of the off topic, but looking at young players from all Europe and how much PG position is important, I think 3 countries stand out in terms of pure PG prospect power. It's between France, Lithuania and Spain and it probably goes hierarchy wise as well likely:

France: Killian Hayes, Theo Maledon
Lithuania: Jokubaitis, Marciulionis, Velicka
Spain: Alocen, Nunez

With that being said, Luka Doncic is the king and should be by far the best PG in the decade (probably all time), but aside this prodigy (who eventually will have difficulties playing both contending NBA and summer FIBA tournaments at the same time likely) France, Lithuania and Spain has best pure point guard prospects in Europe, IMO.

With exception of Jokubaitis, the other two still need to prove themselves. Velicka could turn everything around in a year or two, but Im not so high on Augustas anymore, he will need at least 3-4 years to blossom or to disappoint.

 

[Straight forward2]

With exception of Jokubaitis, the other two still need to prove themselves. Velicka could turn everything around in a year or two, but Im not so high on Augustas anymore, he will need at least 3-4 years to blossom or to disappoint.

It depends what criteria we use. If to prove themselves is to be quality rotations player in EL, then I can't argue with you. But I like where both are ATM. Velicka proved himself as 20/21yo in French and Bundesliga and did it with quite a force. Marciulionis had a successful season, IMO, with Rytas as 18yo. In most cases he looked very convincing. Off course, his timid performance in U19 kinda raised the questions and disappointed (I also expected more), but with vigilant look you could see that he was already washed out physically and mentally at the end of the season. Started to miss wide open threes, had a bad streak in PO. It's hard to go against tougher and matured guys all season long and he had to deal with very big attention and pressure at the same time. His name is a weight that he will have to carry all career long. Mind that Marciulionis had by far the best NKL career compared to all 3. In a long run it may not mean much if he will fail to grow as a player, but I like where all 3 are ATM. I'm pretty sure they will play at really high level. While a guy like Stenionis is still complete enigma with his size and barely relevant NKL season thus far. He will have to make miracles to be high level PRO. It rarely happen with white dudes, but I love what he showed this summer.

Time will tell, but Velicka is ready for Eurocup team, IMO, and I wouldn't be surprised if he will snatch 2 ways contract with Denver while Marciulionis will calmly work in NCAA which is best for him now, hopefully sharpening his scoring habits in American style.

 

[Hepcat2]

Velicka could turn everything around in a year or two....

With Arnas Velička it's not a case of "turning everything around". He just needs to continue showing what he did in the past 2020-21 season.

 

[Straight forward2]

Another highly ranked PG prospect 15yo Kasparas Jakucionis. Eurohopes rank him at 5th among 2006 generation prospects. I think he stepped a bit on NKL court last season and dominates his age class - MKL u15 23.8pts, 14.5rbs, 9.5as, 38eff. Seems like youngster will start his career in Spain, linked with BC Barselona. Maybe that's the homework of Jasikevicius already.

From highlights I see great feeling for passing. He's raw, but some of his quick and unexpected decisions are jaw opening. Other than that, hard to judge yet, too soon.

Point guard with solid positional size, strong frame and above average athleticism, even though he doesn’t have major physical and athletic upside. Jakucionis stands out for his strong basketball IQ: understands the game, plays with poise and takes almost always the right decision with the ball. He is an excellent passer, he's able to find teammates for scoring opportunities in a multiple ways: from throwing an outlet pass right on target after a defensive rebound, to feeding cuts and corner shooters with elite passes off the dribble while driving. As a scorer, he is mainly effective driving aggressively to the basket, not shying away of contacts and using either hands to finish with lay ups. Despite not having the quickest jumpshot, he is a good shooter with consistent mechanics and is able to hit standstill shots from further than the 3-point line. Jakucionis plays defense with strong motor, and he can guard multiple positions given his strength and athleticism. His feel for the game and anticipation are also present at the time to cut passing lanes. Pretty good rebounder on the defensive end.

http://www.eurohopes.com/player/1758/kasparas-jakucionis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXHE-P5nVUw&t=247s

PS: It's another illustration of Vilnius BB crisis. Yet another big prospect born in Vilnius is leaving and it's an open question whenever Rytas even tried to grab him. Horrible.

 

[LuDux2]

I think he stepped a bit on NKL court last season

...

it's an open question whenever Rytas even tried to grab him. Horrible.

I blame their shooting coach

 

[Straight forward2]

I blame their shooting coach

Still horrible, IMO. If you have 5 big prospects and you don't lock a single one long term, there's something substantially wrong with that organization.

 

[LuDux2]

Still horrible, IMO. If you have 5 big prospects and you don't lock a single one long term, there's something substantially wrong with that organization.

I wonder how many other clubs that are not part of cream of EL can keep their big prospects

 

[Straight forward2]

I wonder how many other clubs that are not part of cream of EL can keep their big prospects

On other hand, Blazevic openly says (latest podcast), that the team, the coach, the city was all spot on, it's just was the issue with clubs managament...Sirvydis wanted to leave for the same reason.

I guess Jakucionis (I like how his second name is a hybrid of Jasikevicius and Marciulionis in a way ) has little mortification towards Rytas management and maybe some Saras call does a lot today, but another chance for Rytas management to shine was wasted, that's the fact. And how many upcoming Vilnius talents will commit now when they listen to Blazevic podcasts and Sirvydis' interviews? They screwed and it will have some consequences. Eagerly waiting what happens with new club in Vilnius in 2022/2023. The fact is that either Barselona or Saras just snatched a gem in front Viilnius basketball people noses.

 

[Straight forward2]

Jokubaitis debut with Barselona vs ACB team Andorra. I like that I see some steals both Summer League and here. Certain defensive motor is there. I liked that long pass with his off right hand. He needs to add more drives to his right still. ACB will be huge upgrade for him compared to LKL, but I also hope he won't be washing the bench in EL as well. He might wanna learn a lot of things from Calathes other than shooting as well

Highlights:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7wY4HfS5ew

 

[Straight forward2]

I like the intensity of the workout. This fella should have a strong season in Italy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6XVONwydE0&ab_channel=AkinAthletics

 

[Straight forward2]

Velička heating up. In last 2 games, 24 and 24 eff. He's playing around 30min. I will be shocked if he won't be somewhere at the top of Italian leagues stats sheets. Italian league is a bit inferior to French and German leagues and he will have all tools to dominate it seems. A bit said that we won't see him in CL or Eurocup. The guy wants to have guaranteed role, we'll see how this strategy pan out. It shouldn't take too long though. I really see a lot of connections between him and Kaukenas. Both are sort of pro ISO. Both are a little bit inconsistent team game wise )). Kaukenas took his time to really become EL stud (actually it's pretty crazy that he started to play in EL as 28yo and then played there for straight 8 years). Both are muscular, sort of tough guards for Euros, and there's some similarity in their body language and motor, but I hope Velicka will find ways to EL sooner.

 

[Straight forward2]

Velička heating up. In last 2 games, 24 and 24 eff. He's playing around 30min. I will be shocked if he won't be somewhere at the top of Italian leagues stats sheets. Italian league is a bit inferior to French and German leagues and he will have all tools to dominate it seems. A bit said that we won't see him in CL or Eurocup. The guy wants to have guaranteed role, we'll see how this strategy pan out. It shouldn't take too long though. I really see a lot of connections between him and Kaukenas. Both are sort of pro ISO. Both are a little bit inconsistent team game wise )). Kaukenas took his time to really become EL stud (actually it's pretty crazy that he started to play in EL as 28yo and then played there for straight 8 years). Both are muscular, sort of tough guards for Euros, and there's some similarity in their body language and motor, but I hope Velicka will find ways to EL sooner.

Working on those threes. His release is really quick and he has range. Very curious if can continue to improve his %. Last season he made a little step forward:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6c45NQJGAE&ab_channel=LBA

 

[Shawshank2]

Barca meltdown againts Real in spanish cup final. It looked Barsa was controlling game for 3 querters and then real when on their offensive blitz run.

Rokas still not ready mentally to handle pressure in final games same happend vs Slovenia final in summer.

But that normal for young kid next big step for him to play well like he can play in pressure games.

The more final games experience Jokubaitis will get the better for NT.

 

[Straight forward2]

Rokas still not ready mentally to handle pressure in final games same happend vs Slovenia final in summer.

But that normal for young kid next big step for him to play well like he can play in pressure games.

Agreed. Alocen already feels comfortable (both 20yo) in such clashes, he spent entire season with REAL previously, while Rokas obviously was anxious. He'll get there. That's one of the advantages of his choice. These REAL - Barsa clashes in Spain is the biggest stage, just like EL or FIBA knock-out stage. As a 20yo Rokas now already knows what it feels like. The game against Slovenia in Kaunas and this game has been the biggest games so far for him, biggest stage. The earlier he'll through this, the earlier he'll be ready to lead NT and big clubs. Also ACB intensity will force him to get even tougher quickly.

BARSA is in strange situation PG wise. In my opinion Calathes is already too weak a little bit to be No.1 PG of EL champs, he became slower and even more indecisive scoring wise, while Jokubaitis is too raw yet and Laprovittola is too wild (BTW, Saras used Jokubaitis as back-up not Laprovittola in this big game, that's a good sign and appreciation of Jokubaitis good previous performances). Summa summarum, I think Calathes will be the reason why Barsa won't make it again in EL final (most likely). Jokubaitis may grow into main PG in say 2 years, but at that time he'll probably have a role in the NBA. So Barsa doesn't have long term PG answer. Differently than Real, which has more chances to keep Alocen in their roster long term, even though there's still some interest by NBA clubs and he may be drafted in 2022.

 

[Shawshank2]

The main reason Barsa lost euroleague final because Calathes got injury in end of semifinal game and in final couldn't move normally.

Calathes was fantastic in semifinal game and always was fantastic in playoffs for Greece/Pao.He is big game player and always was.

It hard to win final when teams main pg becomes raw 20 old Bolmaro especially going againts best euroleague backourt of last 10 years.

When I see barsas kvartet healthy Calathes,Higgins,Mirotic, Davis on the floor together in my eyes Barca is favourite in every game.

But to win euroleague final four team needs good coaching,stars playing like stars and get some luck in some critical moments vs other euroleague elite teams .

 

[Toruko2]

The main reason Barsa lost euroleague final because Calathes got injury in end of semifinal game and in final couldn't move normally.

Oh, this is really divisive. I would say Barca lost because of its restricted offensive power, bad roster building and bad coaching. Calathes is a good player but he never won something as one of the top 2-3 player. There are some good players who lift you up to a certain point but from that point they drag you down. Calathes is one of them. Heurtel is another one for example.

Barca lost the game because Efes was the better team and if you look at all games between Efes and Barca, Efes has the psychological advantage because Efes won (if I am not mistaken) all the games in the last 2-3 years.

It hard to win final when teams main pg becomes raw 20 old Bolmaro especially going againts best euroleague backourt of last 10 years.

This is correct.

When I see barsas kvartet healthy Calathes,Higgins,Mirotic, Davis on the floor together in my eyes Barca is favourite in every game.

Its a lineup that can defend but it has two main weak points. Mirotic is a horrible defender who cant defend a shit. Slow legs, bad positioning and no will to defend and Calathes inability to shoot. I mean if he could at least make the open ones with percentage you could respect his shot but Barca is by far not the favorite against EL top teams with this lineup.

 

[Straight forward2]

I would say Barca lost because of its restricted offensive power, bad roster building and bad coaching.

I agree about the first 2 points (BTW, I think Saras tried to add more shooting with Sanli and Lapravittola which makes sense). But how exactly Saras is a bad coach? I mean particularly, what do you mean? Too much attention to set offense, to many emphasizing on precise complex sets or something?

 

[Toruko2]

I agree about the first 2 points (BTW, I think Saras tried to add more shooting with Sanli and Lapravittola which makes sense). But how exactly Saras is a bad coach? I mean particularly, what do you mean? Too much attention to set offense, to many emphasizing on precise complex sets or something?

Well, first, he forced or better said subjugated the whole team into his archaic center-based system. It worked with a small team like Zalgiris where Saras was the star of the team but it wont work in a team like Barca with Stars. When you looked at faces in team Barca nobody was happy but they accepted his leadership. It didnt work out at last. He should have given more freedom to his backcourt. He has been trying ZOC too much but ZOC gave enough freedom to his stars and their decisions. Bogdanovic with Fenerbahce, Diamantidis with PAO etc. My first point: too much control and too old fashioned game style.

Another bad point is roster building but i am not sure to what extend I can blame him. Guys like Westermann was his decision for sure. You cant sign Mirotic for Millions and use Roland Smits as your second guy or cant have 5 Small forwards and use this Argentinian kid, who was fairly overestimated btw, as your bench play maker.

Westermann is a good guy for Zalgiris but not a material for a playoff EL team. He should have said at least something against signings like Pao Gasol etc. Efes had a very bad final game day but Paos inability to run closeouts brought Efes back. This season is also lost if you ask me