Aleksas Bieliauskas arrived in Madison as a lanky freshman big from Lithuania, quickly carving out a niche in the Wisconsin Badgers’ frontcourt for the 2025‑26 campaign under head coach Greg Gard and assistant Dusty May. Though still raw, his presence proved pivotal in several of the team’s most decisive victories.
Bieliauskas’ shooting became his trademark; he erupted for five three‑pointers in a clash with Michigan, shifting momentum and showcasing a range that belied his inexperience. The performance contributed to a B‑grade evaluation, underscoring how his contributions were woven into the Badgers’ best stretches, a factor noted by teammates such as Nick Boyd, John Blackwell and Nolan Winter.
Yet the statistical picture also revealed constraints. His overall field‑goal percentage hovered around 43.1%, a figure inflated by a heavy reliance on perimeter shots, while defensive quickness and foul‑avoidance remained concerns that limited his minutes.
A Freshman with a Purpose
After the season, Bieliauskas announced his transfer to South Carolina, where he will join forces with former Badgers assistant Lamont Paris and alum Sam Dekker. The move promises a new offensive role that could unlock additional dimensions of his game.
Wisconsin observers noted the gaps in his defensive footwork and passing instincts, but they also recognized the raw talent that could blossom under a different system. The transition to the Gamecocks offers a chance to expand his skill set beyond the arc.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming season will test whether Bieliauskas can translate his shooting spark into a more balanced contribution, and how his evolution under Paris and Dekker reshapes the narrative for a player once seen as a secret weapon in Madison.