Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis has confirmed that he will represent Lithuania at the EuroBasket 2025, marking his debut for the national team.
The 20-year-old forward expressed his excitement about playing for the country of his heritage in the prestigious tournament.
“I will be there. I’m very excited to play for the Lithuanian national team. My parents are from Lithuania, so it’s great to represent the country they’re from,” Buzelis said, affirming his decision to join Lithuania’s roster next summer.
Born in Chicago to Lithuanian immigrants, Buzelis has deep ties to the country and its rich basketball tradition. Both of his parents played professionally in Lithuania before immigrating to the United States and settling in the Chicago area, where they nurtured their son’s connection to the sport and his cultural roots.
Buzelis, who was selected 11th overall by the Bulls in the 2024 NBA Draft, had previously committed to representing Lithuania. However, he deferred his debut to focus on transitioning to the NBA and preparing for his rookie season.
In his first year with Chicago, Buzelis is averaging 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.7 minutes per game, showcasing glimpses of potential that have the Lithuanian basketball community optimistic about his contributions on the international stage.
EuroBasket 2025, the 42nd edition of the quadrennial FIBA Europe championship, will be co-hosted by Cyprus, Finland, Poland, and Latvia. The tournament, running from August 27 to September 14, will feature Europe’s best teams competing for continental supremacy.
Lithuania, a perennial powerhouse in European basketball, views Buzelis as a key piece for its future. His size, skillset, and ability to play multiple positions align with the team’s emphasis on versatility and depth.
Buzelis’s addition comes at a pivotal time for Lithuania, as they aim to build on their strong performances in past international competitions. His presence on the roster is expected to enhance the team’s scoring and rebounding capabilities.
