Matas Buzelis is one of the most exciting young talents in basketball today, making headlines not just for his incredible athleticism but also for achieving so much at such a young age.

While his on-court exploits are widely celebrated, his background and unique cultural upbringing add another layer to his compelling story. Let’s dive into the journey that has shaped Buzelis into the rising star we see today.

Where is Matas Buzelis from? What is the Bulls star’s nationality?

Matas Buzelis was born on October 13, 2004, in Chicago, Illinois, making him an American by nationality. While details about his religious beliefs remain private, his rich and diverse ethnic background adds depth to his story. Raised in the village of Hinsdale, located in DuPage County, Illinois, Buzelis is a first-generation American of Lithuanian descent. His parents, Aidas Buzelis and Kristina Jankauskaitė, both hail from Lithuania, bringing with them a legacy steeped in basketball tradition.

Sports played a central role in Buzelis’ upbringing, as he grew up in a family deeply connected to basketball. His father, Aidas, was a prominent player in the Lithuanian Basketball League and later contributed to the Lithuanian men’s national basketball team as a massage therapist. His mother, Kristina, was a standout player herself, representing Lithuania in national youth basketball teams.

This basketball pedigree has undoubtedly influenced Matas’ journey, laying a strong foundation for his own career. But his family’s legacy doesn’t stop there—there’s even more to uncover in the story of how this young star came to shine.

His paternal grandfather, Petras Buzelis, was a former basketball player for Žalgiris Kaunas, a powerhouse Lithuanian basketball club. Additionally, his maternal grandmother, Elena Buzelienė, achieved national recognition as a handball player. This athletic lineage undoubtedly played a role in shaping Matas’ passion for the game, particularly Lithuanian basketball.

Has Matas Buzelis played for the Lithuanian National Team?

Matas Buzelis is part of the Lithuanian National Team and in 2022, he decided to play for the national team. Later that year, the Lithuanian Basketball Federation made it official by registering him with FIBA as a member of the team. He is set to debut for the team at EuroBasket 2025. He said about this opportunity, “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”

He took this gap to focus more on his NBA career. Matas began his journey to the NBA by joining the NBA G League Ignite in May 2023. After playing with them for the 2023-24 season, he got picked by the Chicago Bulls in the 2024 NBA draft as the 11th overall. Initially projected to be picked by the Detroit Pistons, they went for his Ignite teammate, Ron Holland and Matas ended up getting drafted by his hometown team, the Bulls! His first game was against the New Orleans Pelicans but the 20-year-old ended on the loser’s side.

While Buzelis is still in the early stages of his career, it seems like he’s on a ride. From playing in the NBA for his home team to being set to represent his family legacy on an international stage at his age, Matas went through a journey in itself. Fans will definitely keep an eye on this rising star as his best is yet to come.