It was a really emotional night time for Chicago native Matas Buzelis.
He was chosen No. 11 total within the 2024 NBA Draft by his hometown Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. Whereas draft night time is a particular one for all in attendance, this second meant a bit extra for the ahead. When Buzelis heard his identify referred to as, the feelings had been seen on his face as he bought teary-eyed earlier than hugging his members of the family in attendance who had been equally as emotional.
“I’m blessed, man,” Buzelis stated instantly after being drafted. “That is what I needed. I needed to be right here. Because of the Bulls group. I’m able to work, I used to be born for this.”
Buzelis is a 6-foot-9 small ahead who performed for the NBA G-League Ignite workforce this previous season. He averaged 14.1 factors, 6.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per recreation.
Yahoo Sports activities’ NBA Draft analyst Krysten Peek gave the Chicago Bulls an A- grade for the choose.
“Buzelis shot the ball beneath 30% from 3-point vary throughout his one season with the Ignite however has nice dimension at 6-foot-9 and the power to area the ground. He is comfy taking gamers off the dribble and has good footwork and ball abilities in dribble hand-offs on the wing.”
Buzelis grew up in Willowbrook, Illinois, just some miles away from Chicago. He performed his freshman 12 months at Hinsdale Central Excessive College, suiting up for the sophomore workforce. He went on to play at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, and Dawn Christian Academy in Kansas throughout his senior season.
His dad and mom, Kristina Jankauskaitė and Aidas Buzelis, performed professionally of their native Lithuania. Buzelis’ father performed within the Lithuanian Basketball League.