Photo: FIBA

NBA talent is on full display at EuroBasket 2025, with most teams featuring at least one player from the world’s top league.

The tournament could have had even more NBA stars, though, as several prominent players either chose to sit out or were unable to participate.

One of those players is young Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, who opted not to play for Lithuania this year.

Before Lithuania’s matchup, Bulls teammate and Montenegrin center Nikola Vucevic spoke to BasketNews, revealing that he had tried to persuade Buzelis to join the tournament.

Vucevic emphasized that competing in EuroBasket would have been a valuable opportunity for the young forward.

“I was trying to convince him to play,” the player revealed. “I thought it would have been really good for him to get some FIBA basketball experience, to play in EuroBasket, and to practice against all the other players from Lithuania every day. It would have been great for him.”

Vucevic explained that the differences between the NBA and FIBA make international tournaments especially beneficial for younger players.

“The NBA and FIBA are very different games, and I think it is especially good for young players to experience both and learn from them,” he said.

He added that participating would have given Buzelis valuable experience in high-stakes games.

“I think it would have helped him a lot, and it would also have been valuable just to play in big games. Obviously, Lithuania is going to try to compete for a medal – that is their goal – so for him, it would have been huge. But he decided not to play this summer. Hopefully, he will play in the future,” Vucevic noted.

The two-time NBA All-Star also praised his relationship with Buzelis, highlighting the young player’s dedication and potential.

“We have a really good relationship,” Vucevic said. “He is a great guy and a willing learner. He asks a lot of questions, works hard, and wants to improve. I thought he had a very good first year.”

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