2022 Vakaris Grauslys is a Hidden Gem
One of the major objectives of this job is finding prospects who may have lacked exposure, are new to the scene or have experienced obstacles getting exposure to college programs and making folks aware. When I walked into West Nottingham Academy’s gym to watch them face off against reigning BCL title winner John Carroll, 2022 guard Vakaris Grauslys was not on my radar. As I walked out following the Rams’ win over John Carroll, I was texting several coaches about the gem that I had discovered.
The 6-foot-1 floor general is a native of Lithuania and has been the steady standout for West Nottingham among some highly coveted prospects including 2024 jackson James jackson James 5'11" | CG Waconia | 2024 MD , who is being courted by blue blood programs. Instead it was Grauslys who stole my attention with his 32-point performance that included seven three’s.
“We just had such amazing energy from our team on the bench and the students in the crowd,” he told Prep Hoops following the win. “It’s been a year and half since our last home game, so the energy was amazing. We all hit shots, especially me. We all came together in the end and got the win.”
When a guard comes over to America for high school basketball, it can take a long time to adjust to the speed, pace and style. Grauslys took advantage of last season despite the complication of COVID to settle in and really embrace his new environment.
“In Europe we play a lot slower style with a lot more sets, so the speed of the game was difficult at first. I like the speed here, though and the energy that you get with gyms for high school games. You know in Europe we play more club games. The energy here at this school is just amazing.”
“I’m a point guard who loves to control the team and make good passes. I love to drive and force the defense to make decisions and then just play off of them. I still want to get better at shooting more consistently off the dribble. Just becoming more consistent with my shot overall,” Grauslys said of his game.
Grauslys is being recruited by a few Division III programs currently and he fits the mold on and off the floor as a high-academic prospect. With a 4.0 GPA and in the running to be named valedictorian, it’s clear that his focus doesn’t leave when he steps off the court.
“Good academics for me is important,” Grauslys said as he reflected on what he wants in a college. “I would like to study finance or something in business. Of course I want them to have a good basketball program, but academics are very important.”
Scouting report:
Grauslys is a point guard who has tremendous command of his team in the half court. He handles the ball well against pressure and can use undisciplined defense to his advantage by exposing driving lanes with his drives and sleeping defenders with zipline passes to open teammates. He’s a three-point threat off the catch with a quick release that must be contested or else he’ll make you pay. Defensively he’ll get after his match up with sound pressure without fouling. Grauslys doesn’t hesitate to dive on the floor for 50/50’s and is extremely vocal as a leader, which clearly spreads through his teammates. In my opinion, Grauslys could help a high academic Division III program right away or perhaps a program in the Ivy or Patriot League who really need a floor general.