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Arnas Velicka, PG

Discussion in 'NBA Draft' started by nobie, Jul 3, 2016.

  1. nobie

    nobie Member

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    6'4 strong upper and lower body, extremely high IQ of offense, Score first mentally, good court awareness, 16.5 y old.

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For the first time in a while, Lithuania has a really promising PG prospect in Arnas Velicka. Great size, tremendous IQ. Plays like he's 40.</p>&mdash; Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/749670942796898304">July 3, 2016</a></blockquote>
    <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

    Last season averaged 9.2 pts, 2.8assits, 3.4 rebs in second Lithuania league playoff,as 16y against grown men.

    Signed with Barcelona Lassa for next season. Will play in Spain second league next season.

    This guy is the real deal. Remember to bump this thread in 3-4 years when he gonna get drafted.
     
  2. omgTHEpotential

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    That tweet... "Plays like he's 40." I know the dude meant his basketball IQ is like a 40 year old's, but that's just a weird way to put it. Just say he plays like he's 30. If you're saying 40, then might as well commit and say he plays like he's 60.
     
  3. nobie

    nobie Member

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    He does have extremely high basketball IQ, i guess he wanted to emphasize it.
    <iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ylWl7x6hKh4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
     
  4. nobie

    nobie Member

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    <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eFJU9si6arM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
     
  5. Haymitch

    Haymitch Custom Title
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    I like that his shot is quick and doesn't have much movement. More of a set shot, but that's not such a bad thing.
     
  6. nobie

    nobie Member

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    i personally think his shot is very similar to Curry and just like Curry, range doesnt seem like limiting factor to him, which is one of the reasons im extremely high on this guy. The bad things i noticed about him: he definitely lacks consistency with his shot (can shoot 5/5 or 0/8) and also lacks athleticism/finishing above the the rim + tends to drive to right side 90% of the time. If he can fix these things, i see him as one of the great European PG's in the future.
     
  7. nobie

    nobie Member

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    Some new videos of my boi Velicka

    From U18 European

    Gamewinner/buzzer beater


    Highlights
     
    omgTHEpotential likes this.
  8. nobie

    nobie Member

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    Arnas Velicka, 6-4, Point Guard, Barcelona, 1999

    Strengths
    -Tremendous physical profile for a point guard at 6' 4” with a 217-pound frame and long arms.
    -Impressive five-game tournament: 20 points, 9,8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per 40 minutes on 455 from two and 36% from three.
    -Fluid athlete with a strong first step. Makes an effort to play at different speeds. Changes pace. Gets to his spots on the floor by virtue of his size and ability to shift gears.
    -Sees over the top of the defense out of ball screens. Uses both sides of the floor. Can hit the roll/slip man comfortably. Plays out of drive and kick. Can manipulate ball screens by holding the big defender and moving taggers with his eyes.
    -Has the frame to finish through contact.
    -Shot it really well with time and space. Gets decent rotation. Can make a three if the defense goes under. Shoots it with confidence.
    -Ample potential on the defensive end given his size, length and effort level. Uses his frame to contain penetration. Likes to rotate from the weakside for blocks. Length helps him bother shots as the on ball defender.
    -Will fly in on the glass.

    Weaknesses
    -Has a slightly arrogant, too cool for school demeanor
    -Not a very dynamic shooter. Shot it well when he had time but not going to create a jumper off the dribble or knock down contested threes with consistency.
    -High handle. Can change speeds but could stand to tighten up his dribble and add more to his change of direction repertoire. Not overly shifty.
    -Can be a bit of an assist hunter. Doesn't always move the ball, will pound it and only give it up when he's able to get an assist.
    -Really struggles to finish. Not a very vertical leaper. Right hand dominant. Won't be able to rely as much on natural size at the higher levels.
    -Does a little bit of everything but what does he do at an elite level?

    Outlook
    Velicka, a Lithuanian guard and former Zalgiris product, proved to be the top point guard prospect in L'Hospitalet given his combination of physical tools, vision, and two-way play. His seemingly improved stroke bodes well for his long-term potential, although he still has areas where he needs to develop to boost his stock as a prospect – namely finishing at the rim and shot making off the bounce. Velicka's demeanor and vocal leadership can improve as well, but overall it's not easy to find guards with his frame, length and vision. It will be interesting to see how he progresses within the Barcelona system.
     
  9. omgTHEpotential

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    Best PG prospect from Lithuania in YEARS.
     
  10. DonatasFanboy

    DonatasFanboy Member

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    I wonder why we can't develop good point guards who can shoot. Everybody here plays when they are young, good talent pool, we develop a lot of nba-level or top-euroleague level players, especially forwards and bigs. But since Jasikevicius, who showed up more than 20 years ago, we haven't developed another good point guard who's a reliable shooter.
     

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