CHICAGO – The Chicago Bulls have brought a hometown hero back to Chicago.
Matas Buzelis, the Bulls’ No. 11 overall pick, is a 6-foot-10 forward who brings both youth and potential to the team. Here are five things to know about the newest Bull:
Drafted by His Hometown Team
Being drafted by the Bulls is a dream come true for Buzelis. On ESPN, he was seen with tears in his eyes, overwhelmed with emotion. Born in Chicago, Buzelis attended Hinsdale Central High School before moving to Sunrise Academy in Kansas.
“I wanted to be here,” he told ESPN. “Super thankful, very grateful. I just can’t thank the Bulls organization enough.” He grew up idolizing Derrick Rose, which made this moment even more special.
A Fierce Competitor
Buzelis is not only emotional but also a fierce competitor. Known for his trash-talking, he brings an edge to the Bulls reminiscent of past players like Joakim Noah and Michael Jordan. “I thank everyone who doubted me,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here without y’all.”
Choosing the G-League Over College
Ranked as a five-star prospect and the seventh-best in the nation, Buzelis chose the NBA G-League over college offers from Kentucky, Wake Forest, Arizona, and Florida State. He wanted to compete against the best players and be trained by top coaches, which he believes prepared him well for the NBA. “I gained an advantage being there,” he said.
Connection to Bulls’ Front Office
Before the draft, Buzelis worked out in Los Angeles, where he already had a connection to Bulls’ Executive Vice President Artūras Karnišovas. Buzelis’ father knows Karnišovas from their time with the Lithuanian national team.
Versatile Skill Set
Buzelis prides himself on his versatility, particularly his shot-blocking and transition play. He averaged 2.1 blocks per game with the G-League Ignite and is known for his creativity with the ball. “I feel like I can bring a lot of things to the table,” he said. While he acknowledges he needs to get stronger, he’s confident that will come with time.