BASKETBALL SCHOOL "TORNADO" Armandas Bancevičius to NCAA – His Own Path Off the Beaten Track
2026 gegužė 28 d., ketvirtadienis
From his first training sessions at the Tornado Basketball School to NCAA in the United States, Armandas Bancevičius has built his path with patience and consistency. Step by step, growing alongside his generation, overcoming difficult phases and never choosing the easy way, he is now preparing for a new chapter of his life in America.
Even at a young age, Armandas attracted interest from strong Lithuanian basketball organizations, but he chose to stay where his journey began – with the people who believed in him from day one. This decision became another example that dreams can be achieved not only through the most well-known systems, but also through consistent work, trust in your environment, and the process itself.
His basketball journey includes many important milestones – the MKL U18 A Division championship title, experiences in the RKL and NKL leagues, a vice-champion season in the NKL with Vilkaviškis “Perlas” under coach Šarūnas Zablockis, a period with Kauno r. “Omega-Tauras-LSU”, and a return at the end of the season to the coach with whom he had built a strong connection.
Already in August, Armandas will leave for the United States, where he will represent the University of Tennessee at Martin in the NCAA and begin a new chapter of his life as both a student and an athlete.
In winter, you visited the University of Tennessee at Martin in person. What impression did the university and the NCAA environment leave on you?
– When I visited the university in winter, my first impression was very positive. What impressed me the most was the infrastructure – from basketball courts to athletic training facilities. Everything is highly professional and adapted for athletes. It really felt like the university invests heavily in its athletes and their development. I also really liked the entire NCAA environment – the attitude towards sports, discipline, and organization. Basketball is a very important part of the university, so you feel valued as an athlete. I will be living in a student dorm with other students and teammates, which will help me integrate into the environment more easily.
– Have you already had a chance to connect with the coaches? What impression did the program culture and their approach to players leave on you?
– I have already communicated quite a lot with the coaches, both remotely and during my visit. They left a very strong impression – not only in terms of how they communicate, but also in how they treat players as people, not just athletes. I like that they clearly know what they expect from me, while also showing trust. The overall program culture feels very professional, with a strong focus on work, discipline, and continuous development.
Throughout his journey at Tornado Basketball School, Armandas started in the early development group with coach Donatas Mikulevičius. Later, the 2006-born team was formed, and together they went through a long journey – from difficult stages and missing out on the A Division to becoming MKL U18 A Division champions. After that, came experiences in RKL and NKL competitions. During this time, he also received offers from other strong basketball organizations.
– Why did you decide to stay at Tornado Basketball School and continue developing in the environment where your journey began?
– Over the years there were various options and offers, but I chose to stay at Tornado because from the very beginning I felt trust from the coaches and had the opportunity to develop consistently.
We went through a lot together – from difficult stages to big achievements. I believe that this long journey helped me grow both as a player and as a person.
– How important was the trust in the coaches and people who worked with you from the beginning? Looking back now, do you feel it was the right decision?
– Trust in the coaches was very important to me. When coaches believe in you even during difficult moments, it gives you extra motivation to work harder and never give up. Looking back now, I truly feel I made the right decision by staying at Tornado Basketball School and trusting the people here. I received not only good conditions for development, but also met people who contributed greatly to my growth.
– What do you think will be the hardest part of moving to the United States?
– I think the hardest part will be adapting to life far away from family and friends, as it will be a completely new stage in my life.
I will also need to adapt to a different culture, studying in English, and a higher level of competition. However, I see this as an opportunity to grow and step out of my comfort zone. I believe such experiences help people grow a lot.
– What field of study did you choose at the university, and why?
– I chose Business / Managerial Economics because I wanted a field that would not only interest me now, but also be useful after my basketball career. It is important for me to combine sports with education and have a strong academic foundation.
– What are your main goals for your first year in NCAA?
– First of all, I want to adapt as quickly as possible to the NCAA level and prove that I can be useful to the team. I also want to improve physically and develop as a player overall. The most important thing will be daily work and consistency. The main goal is to grow as a player and achieve the best possible results with the team.
– What would you like to say to young Tornado players who look up to athletes like you and dream about their own path?
– I would say there is no need to rush or compare yourself to others. The most important things are consistent work, patience, and self-belief. You don’t need to join the biggest systems early to achieve your goals. If you truly love basketball and work every day, opportunities will come. My journey proves that.
– Can you promise that when you return to Lithuania, you will visit Tornado Basketball School and share your NCAA experience with the kids?
– Of course, I promise that when I return to Lithuania, I will visit Tornado Basketball School, talk to the kids, and share my NCAA experience.
Throughout Armandas’ entire journey, he has been accompanied by his parents – Ingrida and Kęstutis Bancevičiai. From his first steps on the basketball court, early shots, and first setbacks, to the historic MKL U18 championship title and later the NKL vice-championship season, they were present at every stage – not only supporting him, but also being among the most passionate fans in the stands. Today, this is also a very emotional moment for them – sending their son to the other side of the world, to a new stage of life and sport in the United States, where the next chapter of his journey begins.
– It must be difficult to put into words how proud you are of Armandas and everything he has achieved. What brings you the most joy today, and what concerns you the most as he leaves for America?
– We are truly proud of Armandas and his journey. It is wonderful to see how much work, effort, and dedication he has put in over the years. However, we also understand that in sports nothing is ever fully “achieved” – there is always room to grow, improve, and work harder.
What makes us happiest is not only his results or opportunities, but the person he has become. Naturally, there is also concern – the distance, a different culture, new environment, and new people. It will not be easy without family and close friends nearby. We just hope his first year goes smoothly and that he quickly finds his place. At the same time, we believe such experiences help a person grow immensely.
– When Armandas received offers from other strong basketball organizations, you likely discussed together which path to choose. What was most important in that decision-making process?
– We had several conversations within the family, as there were indeed different offers. However, we always valued consistency, continuity, and trust. We believed in Tornado Basketball School, and they believed in Armandas.
We saw everything a young athlete needs to grow – a strong administration, professional coaches, a positive atmosphere, and people who genuinely care about their work. The community was also very important – supportive, united, and authentic. We felt that Armandas was able to grow here not only as a basketball player but also as a person. That is why the decision to stay was natural and based on trust.
– What does this community mean to you, as you still often attend Tornado games and support young players?
– Over the years, Tornado has become more than just a basketball school – it has become a second home. Not only did Armandas grow here, but we did as a family as well. That is why it is natural for us to come back, support young players, and stay connected with people who have been part of our journey for so long. We are happy to see the new generation, their emotions, victories, and desire to improve. Tornado community means a lot to us – it has always been a place of support, respect, and human connection.
– What would you wish for parents who are raising young athletes and walking this long sporting journey full of ups and downs?
– First of all, we would advise trusting the organization and the coaches who work with your children and share their knowledge and experience. It is also very important to support your child both in victories and defeats, without excessive criticism. At times this can be difficult for parents. Most importantly, the child must want to play, improve, and pursue their goals. Sport should not become the realization of parents’ unfulfilled dreams. When a child plays out of love for the game, true growth and joy follow.
