Matas Buzelis is a player heading to the G-League with lofty expectations. He makes many scouts salivate over his incredible potential. More importantly, Matas wants to get better and live up to his expectations. Therefore, what makes him such an intriguing prospect? This article examines Matas’ game.
Matas Buzelis: The Next NBA Star?
Some Background
Matas is 6-foot-10 and 190 lbs and played basketball at Sunrise Christian Academy. Originally from Lithuania, Matas is a unique player. Buzelis was the Gatorade Kansas Player of the Year. He averaged 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 blocks. He was also a McDonald’s All-American. Therefore, his success motivated him to forgo college and play basketball in the G-League next season. Buzelis looks to get a high draft spot in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Why Should People Care?
Fans should care about Matas because of his potential and his work ethic. This summer, he decided to go to the NBA Draft Combine to work out. He also witnessed the NBA Summer League to learn more about the NBA game. Furthermore, he used this experience as an opportunity to see where he needed to improve his game to compete at the NBA level. That is what we call motivation. Matas’ motivation to become a great player is evident.
More importantly, Buzelis has incredible potential. His size and fluidity make him a versatile prospect at the next level. At his height, he can handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter. In the modern game, bigs need more perimeter skills to succeed at the next level. Buzelis has the ability to handle, shoot, and pass. Matas’ unique fluidity and skills made him a matchup issue in high school basketball and allowed him to achieve a high ranking.
Additionally, Victor Wembanyama got drafted First overall because of his uniqueness and potential. Therefore, scouts and teams care about future projections. Matas’ potential could be a high-tier NBA player.
Where Matas Can Improve?
Physical Strength
Although Matas possesses incredible potential, work ethic, and skill, he has areas he must improve in the G-League. Matas’ thin frame makes it difficult to guard bigger defenders and finish at the basket. He is tall, so he needs to make shots around the basket. Unfortunately, scoring at the rim is a weakness. Furthermore, he gets pushed off his spots by stronger defenders. As a result, Buzelis needs to embrace and improve his physical strength.
His Handle
Matas dribbles well for a player his size, but he needs to tighten up his handle for the next level. At times in the game, his dribble gets too wide or shaky. Therefore, he needs to speed up his handle. A quicker handle allows better opportunities for Buzelis to succeed offensively. He can get to his spots more effectively, turn the ball over less, and make more effective plays for his teammates. He has an intensity that bodes well for fixing this problem, and he is only going to improve with more professional experience.
Last Word on Matas Buzelis
Matas Buzelis is an intriguing prospect. He is talented and is only scratching the surface of what his game will be. As long as he works hard and stays motivated, the sky is the limit for the star.
