Matas Buzelis Bio
Matas Arvidas Buzelis (born October 13, 2004) is a Lithuanian American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2024 NBA draft. Buzelis played for the NBA G League Ignite prior to joining the Bulls, and has made a significant impact as a young player in the league, showcasing his scoring ability and athleticism on the court.
Early Life and Background
Matas Buzelis was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 13, 2004. He comes from a family with a strong basketball background, as both of his parents played professionally in Lithuania before immigrating to the United States. Growing up in the Chicago area, Buzelis was exposed to sports early on, participating in gymnastics alongside his siblings. He later excelled in swimming, achieving top results in breaststroke events for his age group in Illinois. Buzelis began his high school career at Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale, Illinois, where he played on the sophomore basketball team as a freshman. However, he transferred to Brewster Academy, a prestigious boarding school in New Hampshire, midway through his sophomore year due to the postponement of Hinsdale Central’s basketball season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. At Brewster Academy, he quickly made a name for himself, earning the title of the 2022 New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year in his junior year.
Path to Basketball
After his time at Brewster Academy, Buzelis transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas, before the start of his senior year. During his senior season, he averaged an impressive 15.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, showcasing his skills as a versatile player. His performance earned him a spot in the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top prospects in his class. Buzelis was recognized as a consensus five-star recruit and was highly sought after by several college programs, including Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida State, and Wake Forest. Ultimately, he chose to pursue a professional career with the NBA G League Ignite.
Matas Buzelis Career
Early Career (2023–2024)
Buzelis officially signed with the NBA G League Ignite on May 31, 2023. During the 2023–24 NBA G League season, he made a significant impact, averaging 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His performance in the G League helped him gain recognition as a promising young talent.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Buzelis was selected with the 11th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls during the 2024 NBA draft. His pre-draft process saw him projected as a top-five pick, but he ultimately landed with his hometown team. He signed a rookie-scale contract with the Bulls on July 2, 2024. Buzelis made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Throughout his rookie season, Buzelis demonstrated his scoring prowess and versatility on the court. Notable performances included scoring 24 points in a game against the Miami Heat and achieving a career-high 31 points in a victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. He also made history by participating in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the 2025 All-Star weekend, becoming the first Lithuanian player to do so.
Notable Works and Milestones
Buzelis’s signature achievements include being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2025 and participating in prestigious events such as the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. His impressive rookie season has set the stage for a promising career ahead.
Matas Buzelis Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Matas Buzelis has received several nominations and accolades, including recognition as a consensus five-star recruit and selections for prestigious high school events.
Matas Buzelis Awards Won
Buzelis has achieved notable awards, including being named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2025, and has participated in various high-profile basketball events such as the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.
Matas Buzelis Family
Matas Buzelis comes from a family deeply rooted in basketball. His maternal grandfather, Arvydas Jankauskas, was a basketball player and coach, while his paternal grandfather, Petras Buzelis, also played basketball at a high level, achieving significant success in Lithuania. His mother, Kristina Jankauskaitė, was a promising basketball player who represented Lithuania in youth competitions, and his father, Aidas Buzelis, is a former player and physiotherapist for the Lithuania men’s national basketball team.
Personal Life
Buzelis speaks both Lithuanian and English, reflecting his cultural heritage. He has a close-knit family that has supported his basketball journey from a young age, contributing to his development as a player.
