A Historic Milestone for SIUE Basketball
Arnas Sakenis has officially signed to play in the NBA Summer League with the Miami Heat, becoming the first SIUE athlete ever to participate in the league’s developmental showcase and signaling a new chapter for the university’s basketball program.
The 6‑foot‑9 forward began his collegiate journey as a walk‑on under head coach Brian Barone, gradually earning a reputation for shot‑blocking prowess that culminated in a program‑record 160 career blocks.
During his senior season he led the Ohio Valley Conference with 75 blocks, a Division I program best, and helped the Cougars capture the 2024‑25 OVC championship, contributing 10 points and four blocks in the tournament before a memorable March Madness debut against top‑seeded Houston.
Coach Barone’s Praise
Brian Barone highlighted Sakenis’s relentless work ethic and team‑first attitude, noting the player’s steady rise from limited minutes to double‑digit scoring in 16 games, including a 19‑point outing at Southeast Missouri, and expressing confidence that the Summer League will provide a valuable platform for further growth.
Sakenis is set to open his Summer League schedule next week in California, where he will face a slate of prospects vying for roster spots, continuing a trajectory that has already seen his rebounding numbers climb each season.