It was a very emotional night for Chicago native Matas Buzelis.
He was selected No. 11 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by his hometown Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. While draft night is a special one for all in attendance, this moment meant a bit more for the forward. When Buzelis heard his name called, the emotions were visible on his face as he got teary-eyed before hugging his family members in attendance who were equally as emotional.
Matas Buzelis is selected 11th overall by the @chicagobulls in the 2024 #NBADraft presented by State Farm!Watch on ABC & ESPN. pic.twitter.com/6Q1MfhZ8Gz
NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2024
Im blessed man, Buzelis said immediately after being drafted. “This is what I wanted. I wanted to be here. Thanks to the Bulls organization. Im ready to work, I was born for this.”
“This is what I wanted, I wanted to be here.”Chicago native Matas Buzelis after getting selected by the Bulls ️(via @NBA) | #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/sFZWRgruoB
Ball Dont Lie (@Balldontlie) June 27, 2024
Buzelis is a 6-foot-9 small forward who played for the NBA G-League Ignite team this past season. He averaged 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
Yahoo Sports NBA Draft analyst Krysten Peek gave the Chicago Bulls an A- grade for the pick.
Buzelis shot the ball under 30% from 3-point range during his one season with the Ignite but has great size at 6-foot-9 and the ability to space the floor. He’s comfortable taking players off the dribble and has good footwork and ball skills in dribble hand-offs on the wing.
Buzelis grew up in Willowbrook, Illinois, just a few miles away from Chicago. His freshman year of high school he played at Hinsdale Central High, suiting up for the schools sophomore team as a freshman.