Arnas Velicka

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.

Arnas Velicka, 6'4, Point Guard, Zalgiris Kaunas, 1999

Strengths
-Great size for a point guard
-Very strong frame. Decent length
-Pure playmaker with a tremendous feel for the game. Has excellent vision and overall command of his team. 6.8 assists per-40 ranked fifth at the tournament. Led this season's adidas Next Generation Tournament in assists per-40 at 10.5.
-Not blazing quick, but gets where he wants to on the floor. Has excellent timing on his drives. Operates at different speeds
-Extremely advanced pick and roll player for his age. Uses drag screens in transition impressively
-Shows some ability to make pull-up jumpers confidently with a quick release
-Plays with unbelievable poise and confidence. Never changes his expression
-Smart, competitive defender. Uses his physical tools effectively. Big enough to guard multiple positions at this level
-Terrific instincts getting in the passing lanes and coming up with steals
-Born in December, still only 16 years old.

Weaknesses
-Not an efficient scorer. Really struggled to put the ball in the basket throughout the tournament.
-Poor shooting percentages in every setting he's played in, particularly from beyond the arc (career 24%), but also from the free throw line (career 52% in 33 games)
-Low release on his jumper. Sprays his misses all over the place. Makes some jumpers, and looks confident doing so, but is a volume shooter at this point
-Doesn't finish very well around the rim. Relies on underhanded scoop shots that make it fairly easy for rotating big men to contest. Career 45% 2-point percentage
-Will need to show he has the lateral quickness needed to stay in front of more explosive guards at higher levels
-Tends to fall asleep in his stance at times. Doesn't always fight over the top of screens

Outlook Catalyst behind Lithuania's strong 3rd place showing at this tournament. Has great size and a tremendous feel for the game, which bodes well for his future considering how young he is. Will need to prove he can score more efficiently moving forward, particularly with his jump-shot, to reach the highest levels. Moving to Barcelona next season, who paid a buyout to Zalgiris for his rights.