Chicago Bulls’ rookie Matas Buzelis generates pleasure along with his versatility and excessive basketball IQ. At 6-foot-10, he combines measurement, ability, and athleticism, making him a useful addition to the Bulls’ roster.
Buzelis comes from a wealthy basketball heritage. His grandfather, Arvydas Jankauskas, was a former participant and coach, and his different grandfather, Petras Buzelis, captained Zalgiris Kaunas, profitable six Lithuanian League titles. His grandmother, Elena Buzeliene, is certainly one of Lithuania’s biggest handball gamers, profitable two European Champions Cups. His mom, Kristina Jankauskaite, stood out in Lithuanian youth basketball, whereas his father, Aidas Buzelis, performed within the Lithuanian Basketball League and labored as a therapeutic massage therapist for the Nationwide Workforce.
In an interview with HoopsHype, on behalf of Name of Responsibility Black Ops 6, Buzelis mentioned his NBA journey, the pre-draft course of, his basketball idols, and his targets with the Chicago Bulls.
(Throughout the NBA Summer time League in Vegas, Buzelis, rookies and vets participated within the Name of Responsibility Two-Minute Drill on the Warfare Room suite. After two days, Bronny James received the $10,000 prize).
Matas Buzelis: It’s superior. Simply being round NBA guys, that’s what I at all times needed to be round once I was youthful. So now being within the NBA, I’m not going to let down my alternative to succeed.
MB: I imply, I hit extra pictures, however that’s identical to the least factor I’m anxious about. Like defensively being in the fitting positions. I’d say additionally simply being a greater teammate once I’m on the bench. And I’d say discovering gamers higher with assists.
Jul 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) dribbles in entrance of Chicago Bulls ahead Matas Buzelis (14) throughout the third quarter at Thomas & Mack Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports activities
MB: Properly, , like cheer for the opposite guys which might be enjoying. I feel I did an honest job, however I might be higher. And simply standing up for my teammates once they come out of the sport. I used to be actually drained, and whenever you’re drained, your mind form of shuts down a bit bit. And typically I didn’t get up and high-five my teammates, however that’s simply little issues within the recreation.
MB: I feel that I can do every little thing. Rebound, block pictures, rating the ball. I can cross the ball. I really feel like I can do every little thing on the court docket, actually.
MB: Yeah.
Higher than Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr?
MB: Yeah.
Jul 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Daeqwon Plowden (29) defends in opposition to a shot try by Chicago Bulls ahead Matas Buzelis (14) throughout the first quarter at Thomas & Mack Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports activities
MB: Properly, my dad at all times informed me to be humble, however I really feel like I work more durable than anyone on this draft class, and that’s the place the arrogance comes from. I’m not a type of guys that simply discuss for no purpose. I actually work exhausting on my recreation, in order that’s why I’m assured in my talents.
MB: No, man. It was zero-zero. Wherever you get picked, one by 60, no matter, 58, it doesn’t matter. Everybody’s within the NBA, and also you’re going to must compete in opposition to them. You’re going to must see them no matter the place you go. It’s only a pay distinction.
MB: That doesn’t matter to me. I’ll play basketball totally free.
MB: It’s robust to tug folks out of Vegas to go see teenage guys play. That’s nothing to do with Ignite. Ignite did a tremendous job, and I’d do it 10 instances over once more. That was the very best scenario that I might have put myself in. And it’s simply robust to get folks to look at teenage youngsters play in Vegas.
MB: Yeah, undoubtedly. Some gamers in faculty received’t even contact the G League court docket, , sadly. And I performed in opposition to gamers who have been virtually all-stars. Kenneth Faried, Lance Stephenson, all these guys. And I acquired the NBA expertise.
MB: The way in which he approached the sport, how he performs, after all, and that he desires to win every little thing, not simply basketball.
MB: On the one, I’m going to go Stephen Curry. Two, I’m going to only put Anthony Edwards. Three, let’s go along with, man, on the three, I’m going to go along with…
MB: Nah, I’m not at that stage but. However on the three, there’s so many choices. That is robust. I’m going to go along with, let me go along with Jalen Brunson at my three. Nah, let me go along with Jalen Brunson at my two. Let me go along with, let me go along with, at three Anthony Edwards, after which at 4, let me go Kevin Durant. At 5, Nikola Jokic.
MB: Most likely Bron, as a result of it’s robust to dunk on Bron, so in the event you do it, you’re solidified.
MB: Properly, fortunately I acquired invited to go and see a preview of Black Ops 6, and that’s why I’m right here.
MB: It means so much as a result of it actually began off with me and my brother enjoying after we have been youthful, most likely after we have been 13, 14. And now attending to be part of the Black Ops household, Name of Responsibility household, means so much. And I’m excited for this recreation to come back out.
