Matas Buzelis Thread

[Straight forward]

Buzelis' documentary. You can easily tell he grew up in states. Lithuanians usually are much much more reserved to say the least Seem to have good supporting crew.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1zMVh3QRVI&ab_channel=Ballislife

[Straight forward]

If I'm not mistaken I only saw 2 Lithuanians going for windmill dunks. One is Tubelis, other is Buzelis. Drops 24pts in recent game:

https://twitter.com/NIBCOfficial/status/1621674391502192642

https://twitter.com/NIBCOfficial/status/1621670504741457926

[Straight forward]

So, Buzelis speaks Lithuanian fluently, basically without any accent. Basketnews.lt guys chose a right form for this visit, without any official interviews which are always stressful and awkward for Lithuanians (at least in Iggy case when reporters ask him to speak Lithuanian). Just filming behind the scenes, natural flow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sk0K1XZeGP4&t=705s&ab_channel=BasketNews%E2%80%A4LT

[Hepcat]

Matas Buzelis MVP:

[Straight forward]

Matas Buzelis MVP:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Co6EeQ4NP71/?hl=en

[Straight forward]

ESPN and Givony said it - Buzelis projected No.1 pick. Now, he's really on the map. It will be interesting to see how Buzelis gonna cope with these projections. That's whole another level, to be just a good prospect and to be elite among elite. Hopefully his family, friends and as it seams very healthy environment will help him to go through all this process successfully.

Really glad to see Rubstavicius in the second round. It's nice when BB minds reflect exactly what I see. I keep repeating that I miss that in Lithuania. Some BB people just can't see some things and you can't change it. Like either have it, or not. It's good that some people see it, but when it comes from really globally respected BB minds as Givony, it is nevertheless a nice feeling. 54#

Surprised not to see Murauskas name though. I guess the lack of athleticism for NBA standards and questionable three (as well as slightly blurry positional identity ATM) is what separate him from being treated solid NBA prospect, but I don't think he's out of the map. I Murauskas still have enough time to change it and I believe he will.

https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/35707557/2024-nba-mock-draft-why-bronny-james-projected-top-10-pick

[Straight forward]

Here's Givony's take, with some new highlights:

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1628407693282091008

Very good comment from one of the fans. We are entering new era of big guards. If in last 10 years there were only few of those like Lebron and KD, now it's blossoming with Chet, Wemby, Matas, F. Wagner, Banchero. It's really a new trend. 6'10 or taller dude having guard skills.

[Straight forward]

Watched first Buzelis' game. I'll share it with you here. Well, live game always says more than highlights. FOA, he is very much a prospect, or project to begin with. By that I mean scouts looking to the future a lot and sees raw potential. In other words, I think Matas is behind such prospects as Banchero, F. Wagner and such at this age 18,3. His frame is still very thin, he's a bit hesitant shooter, specially off the dribble from three. I thought he would be much more aggressive, but he's super, even too much I though, team orientated. Always moves the ball. Does it really well and his size helps a lot. Didn't shoot the ball well in this game, but still scored 19pts in a blow out. The level of competition is pretty low, guards making bad decisions, contact level average. Buzelis will have to do quite a bit of a off season in terms becoming stronger to survive in the G League. Wouldn't be surprised he will have relatively calm G League season unless he will make huge spurt (on other hand G League defense also isn't over the top, so maybe I'm too strict there). What worries me most is his perimeter defense, he seems rather uninterested a lot in these situations, specially the closeouts, guarding with almost straight legs and he needs to work on that cause I'm not sure he can guard small forwards in the NBA with such perimeter defense.

On the positive side, his decision making is really good, making the right passes, trying to be aggressive at the right time, really like his shot contesting around the paint, he changes a lot of shots with his length, smooth finisher. Offensively he will be the beast, specially if will shoot threes +35%, and I think that's very achievable. But honestly expected him to be a bit more aggressive, playing more with the ball which he certainly can do, but instead he is playing very humble BB. I think needs a little bit more selfishness in his game, but will come and he should find proper balance. Long term prospect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2riGKKu4DA&ab_channel=StrivSports

[Straight forward]

Buzelis finished his high school career with a nosy note. His team knocked out 1rst ranked Montverde school. Buzelis was the main guy with 17pts and huge 3+1 bucket in last minute. In semis Buzelis' team went down (Matas scored 12pts) and now he's heading to the G League. Can't wait to see him in Ignite G League team. That's sort of development G League team which tries to have young elite prospects. So Buzelis will have competitive real NBA prospect colleges.

https://twitter.com/MiaHeatFilmRoom/status/1641586239756451840

[Straight forward]

Buzelis officially balling in the G League next season. Givoni says it's most talented Ignite team ever

https://twitter.com/gleagueignite/status/1663930369195008003

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1663961965260046358

[Straight forward]

Buzelis getting tougher:

https://twitter.com/BuzelisMatas/sta...79184026386433

[Toruko]

Buzelis getting tougher:

https://twitter.com/BuzelisMatas/sta...79184026386433

Will he come and play for beloved Lithuania or not?

[Straight forward]

Imagine Jokubaitis at 1, Buzelis at 3, Sabonis at 5...

That would be incredible ball distribution exposition:

https://twitter.com/slipthescreen/status/1675254163708444673

[Straight forward]

Will he come and play for beloved Lithuania or not?

Yes. Not this summer. I think we are speaking about 2025 or 2027.

[Toruko]

Yes. Not this summer. I think we are speaking about 2025 or 2027.

Traitor.