Brisbane's Lithuanian import Arnas Velicka already has a chip on his shoulder ahead of his NBL debut and has warned the league, now dominated by American imports, he's bringing something "not seen before".
The 26-year-old point guard, recruited by new Bullets coach Will Weaver, won MVP honours in the Lithuanian league for the second time earlier this year.
He's already compiled a decade-long professional career, but never played outside of Europe.
"Everywhere I go I have to prove myself again and again," Velicka told AAP ahead of the Bullets' open-air season opener at Pat Rafter Arena, against the New Zealand Breakers, on Tuesday.
"This is a new one; first time out of Europe, but it just makes me a better player."
Velicka has been handed the keys of a Bullets side starved of success but hopeful of competing against stacked squads led by American stars Kendric Davis (Sydney Kings), Cole Anthony (Melbourne United) and Bryce Cotton (Adelaide), who is now an Australian citizen.
Former Boomer Mark Worthington has tipped Velicka as an MVP smoky, likening him to former NBA assist king Steve Nash, but attention has otherwise centred on the league's American stars.
"I'll bring something different that the NBL hasn't had before," Velicka said.
"It's going to be nice.
"Maybe people might be underrating me. But I love that and love making people think otherwise. I'll let my game do the talking."
The Bullets beat Tasmania JackJumpers but lost to South East Melbourne in preseason games.
"It showed what we need to get better at," Velicka said.
"It surprised me, how fast the pace is, but I adjusted and I know what to expect."
