Emotions run high for Chicago Bulls NBA Draft pick Matas Buzelis

It was a very emotional night for Chicago native Matas Buzelis.

He was selected No. 11 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by his hometown Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. While draft night is a special one for all in attendance, this moment meant a bit more for the forward. When Buzelis heard his name called, the emotions were visible on his face as he got teary-eyed before hugging his family members in attendance who were equally as emotional.

“I’m blessed man,” Buzelis said immediately after being drafted. “This is what I wanted. I wanted to be here. Thanks to the Bulls organization. I’m ready to work, I was born for this.”

Buzelis is a 6-foot-9 small forward who played for the NBA G-League Ignite team this past season. He averaged 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.

Yahoo Sports’ NBA Draft analyst Krysten Peek gave the Chicago Bulls an A- grade for the pick.

Buzelis grew up in Willowbrook, Illinois, just a few miles away from Chicago. His freshman year of high school he played at Hinsdale Central High, suiting up for the school’s sophomore team as a freshman.

His parents, Kristina Jankauskaitė and Aidas Buzelis, played professionally in their native Lithuania. Buzelis’ father played in the Lithuanian Basketball League.