Matas Buzelis Thread

[Straight forward]

Traitor.

ATM there's no point to bring him here anyway (federation head has close connection with his family). Hardly he will be ready for serious action in 2024 as well (besides draft year so very unlikely that he would suit). Later LTU NT will be looking very much for his addition.

Seen his dad and younger brother (will play for U16 this summer if makes it) walking in Vilnius' streets. While Matas grinding and preparing for G League season.

[Toruko]

ATM there's no point to bring him here anyway (federation head has close connection with his family). Hardly he will be ready for serious action in 2024 as well (besides draft year so very unlikely that he would suit). Later LTU NT will be looking very much for his addition.

Seen his dad and younger brother (will play for U16 this summer if makes it) walking in Vilnius' streets. While Matas grinding and preparing for G League season.

Not that he ends up like Banchero

[Straight forward]

Not that he ends up like Banchero

Nah, don't see that happening. His little bro suiting up with U16 NT. His dad works with senior LTU NT. Banchero was undecided, while Matas already announced he's representing LTU. If he would change his mind that would be big hit to his family and they seem very tight and close. I hardly see him being as loyal as JV or even Sabonis, but well having him in some 4-7 tournaments would be amazing if he pans out as good as he potentially can become.

[Hepcat]

So will Matas Buzelis be participating with the Lithuanian U20 team this summer?

[Straight forward]

Gotta love Buzelis' facial expressions

https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1677476893510049793

[Hepcat]

Hey! I don't see Buzelis on the Lithuanian U20 team. So far he's not suited up at all for any Lithuanian teams.

[Straight forward]

Hey! I don't see Buzelis on the Lithuanian U20 team. So far he's not suited up at all for any Lithuanian teams.

I think we should look at 2025 and 2027 as potential spots to see Buzelis suiting up. Next year it will be draft year for him so it's very unlikely to see him coming to the NT. 2027 probably makes perfect sense, WC before OG, he's already proven NBA player if everything works according to projections. He's 22/23yo. Could probably already be among the leaders.

[Toruko]

I think we should look at 2025 and 2027 as potential spots to see Buzelis suiting up. Next year it will be draft year for him so it's very unlikely to see him coming to the NT. 2027 probably makes perfect sense, WC before OG, he's already proven NBA player if everything works according to projections. He's 22/23yo. Could probably already be among the leaders.

Well, what prevents him to play for the U20? Its also a good test for him considering the level he has been playing.

[Straight forward]

Well, what prevents him to play for the U20? Its also a good test for him considering the level he has been playing.

I think general answer is obvious - he's 100% about to prepare for G League which is a big stage and the trampoline for the NBA. He doesn't care about NT ATM. He made long term commitment, but now he's all about individual workouts. Adding muscle and polishing jump shot is his priorities.

https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1677485544312385538

With Lithuanian emigrants the case is this - they do all things that has to be done in USA and then they come to NT if possible. Nojus Indrusaitis did the same last summer. He came to U16 camp, played one game, then went out for some kind of tournament in USA, and after that came back to NT camp and delivered in U16 EC. Emigrants have different dedication. They are dedicated to LTU, but prioritizes personal growth first. Now U18 already preparing and playing Baltic Tournament while Indrusaitis playing in Nike Meanstreets EYBL 2024, in the states and standing out there.

That's what you have with emigrants. But I hope that LTU NT will get the most of Iggy, Buzelis, Indrusaitis anyway. BTW Buzelis' younger bro will suit with U16 this summer if he's good enough. Last summer U18 NT kicked out Brazdeikis' brother Augustas

[Straight forward]

Another scout has Buzelis as early 2024 No.1 pick. Interesting how G League campaign will work out for him and how he will look after this off season:

https://twitter.com/aidandawson25/status/1685831977813848064

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Pretty nice summary on Buzelis by Sports illustrated:

One of those, however, is soon-to-be G League Ignite forward Matas Buzelis. Who, if he pans out in certain developmental areas, would be a fine choice at No. 1 overall next June.

At 6-foot-11, Buzelis is a lengthy sharpshooter with wing tendencies packed into a slenderly built center’s frame. Even more, he’s got the handle, touch, feel for the game and basketball IQ to make some think he just might be a guard when it’s all said and done.

Regardless, his combination of size, fluidity and feel make him tantalizing in a variety of positions.

Defensively, Buzelis has a ways to go in filling out his frame and honing general defensive tendencies. But again, his length offers him some upside rarely seen. He can clog passing lanes with his wingspan, offers some secondary rim-protection chops, though not advanced just yet, and generally makes like harder on the opposition when he’s locked in.

There’s, of course, plenty of areas Buzelis can improve on over the next 11-ish months. Skills that could propel him into No. 1 territory or leave him hanging outside the top five. His handle needs work, along with his at-rim finishing when it’s crowded. And despite him being a moderately advanced playmaker for his size and position, the coming tape will answer lots of scout’s questions.

https://www.si.com/nba/draft/newsfeed/matas-buzelis-2024-nba-draft-number-one-pick-g-league-ignite

[Straight forward]

Buzelis looks more muscular and a bit bigger already. Shouldn't overdo with that shit either. I bet there's a good chance he would be on the same tier with Sirvydis/Jogela in the NT camp this summer if not better:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkLC_Em7ljw&ab_channel=HIGHLEVELMEDIASPORTS

That dunk though. Buzelis can leap for a white folk, and that body coordination:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CunLCRGpQ-E/?hl=en

And here's 19min. season highlights. I saw many during the season, but you get to see plenty of new stuff if going though all this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkLC_Em7ljw&ab_channel=HIGHLEVELMEDIASPORTS

[Straight forward]

Buzelis looking good:

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1693371432590279059

[Straight forward]

LOL, Buzelis one of those new age players who tend to express their options in media To me it's a bad idea, but whatever. Definitely doesn't shy away from working and maybe this way he motivates himself. Action speaks louder than words though:

https://twitter.com/BuzelisMatas/status/1698729417600819486

[Straight forward]

Buzelis looks good in first games with Ignite. Seems like he's consistently transitioning towards being top 1-8 pick in the NBA:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twv2ryzNnwY&ab_channel=NBAGLeague

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3gfia_3WvY&ab_channel=NBAGLeague