By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Matas Buzelis will participate in the NBA’s annual Slam Dunk Contest, looking to succeed back-to-back winner Mac McClung.
Buzelis, 20, was selected by the Bulls with the 11th overall pick of last summer’s draft, before starting his NBA career with 4.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 0.9 blocks, 0.4 assists, and 0.3 steals per contest over 41 appearances off the bench so far in the 2024-25 Regular Season. Despite being a rookie, he actually returns to the NBA All-Star Weekend after taking part in last year’s Rising Stars Challenge as a member of a team consisting of G League players.
ESPN reported on Monday that the Lithuanian rookie of the Chicago Bulls and Stephon Castle, the fourth pick of the most recent draft and a San Antonio Spurs rookie, committed to covering two of the four spots for the dunk contest to be played in San Francisco’s Chase Center on February 15, on the eve of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. Two more players will complete the pack.
Born and raised in Illinois, his parents immigrated to the United States and settled in the Chicago area after their respective professional basketball careers. A rich sports tradition in his family extends to both of his grandfathers, while one of his grandmothers excelled in handball. Consequently, Buzelis has committed to the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, LKF, to represent the Baltic country in major international competitions and is expected to soon debut with the senior national team of Lithuania.
Photo Credit: YouTube