While pretty much everything is a first for rookie Matas Buzelis this season, his trip to All-Star Weekend in February will be anything but.
The 20-year-old has felt the bright lights of the NBA’s annual extravaganza before. Playing for the G League Ignite during the 2023-24 campaign, he was one of several pre-draft players invited to the league’s Rising Stars Game. And, boy, did Buzelis make the most of the opportunity.
Suiting up for Detlef Schrempf’s team in the four-team tournament, Buzelis gave his squad a Round 1 win with a game-winning mid-range jumper. Not only did he make the shot over former No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller, but he beat a team that also featured Victor Wembanyama, Jamie Jacquez Jr., Jabari Smith Jr., and several other recognizable NBA youngsters.
To be sure, Buzelis is still waiting to hear if he will suit up again in the league’s Rising Stars competition, but we know he will be at his second-straight All-Star Weekend regardless. The Chicago Bulls’ No. 11 overall pick has accepted an invite to the NBA’s 2025 Slam Dunk Contest! He will officially be the fifth Bulls player to ever participate in the event and the first since 2007.
One has to imagine his time experiencing the All-Star festivities last season will help ease any nerves in The Bay. Not to mention, this also isn’t the first time Buzelis has put his high-flying abilities to the test!
Matas Buzelis’ SECOND Dunk Contest
When Matas Buzelis takes the court next month, it will be his second dunk contest since 2023!
The McDonald’s All-American competed in the Powerade Jam Fest two years ago ahead joining the G League Ignite. He matched up against some very familiar faces, including future Ignite teammate Ron Holland, Bronny James, and Stephon Castle, who has also committed to this season’s contest in San Francisco.
Buzelis showed he was a legitimate contender for the title with his first dunk. As he left his feet, he bounced the ball between his legs before snatching it and jamming it with one hand. The dunk earned him a perfect score of 70 from the judges. Buzelis’ second dunk was equally as impressive, as he pulled off a between-the-legs 360 slam. It’s so rare that someone with his frame has that much athletic pop!
Buzelis would tie Elmarko Jackson for the highest score in the first round and advance to the finals. He would go on to attempt some crazy moves in hopes of sealing a victory, but he ultimately fell short by missing his last two dunks. Sean Stewart โ who is currently playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes โ ended up taking home the trophy.
Regardless, Matas Buzelis’ first two dunks should have us more than excited to see what he has up his sleeves next month. If people around the NBA don’t know his name now, they will once All-Star Saturday night comes to an end!
If you want to give the condensed version of the Jam Fest, you can do so on YouTube.