Matas Buzelis signs with G League Ignite / News - Basketnews.com

Matas Buzelis -- a 6-foot-10 projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft -- has officially signed with G League Ignite for next season.

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Matas Buzelis, an exceptional high school prospect with a coveted five-star rating and hailed as the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by ESPN, has officially inked a deal with NBA G League Ignite, as announced today by General Manager Anthony McClish.

Matas Buzelis

Position:SG, SFAge:18Height:211 cmWeight:89 kgBirth place:Illinois, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

"It's a dream come true to join Ignite," Buzelis said. "I have the opportunity to develop in a professional system as I continue to strive toward my goal of playing in the NBA. I look forward to joining the team in Henderson and getting to work. I want to thank my coaches, trainers, and teammates for preparing me for this opportunity. I also want to thank my family for their endless love and support throughout my journey."

6-foot-10 (2.11 m) Buzelis recently earned the title of Most Valuable Player at the Basketball Without Borders Global Camp held during the NBA All-Star 2023 festivities in February. Additionally, he showcased his skills at the 2023 McDonald's All-American Game in March and was chosen to represent the World Team in the 2022 Nike Hoop Summit.

Both of his parents have backgrounds in professional basketball in their home country of Lithuania. The 18-year-old Buzelis is set to represent Lithuania in the international FIBA basketball.

Originally from the Chicago area, Buzelis concluded his senior year of high school at Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas. His remarkable performance earned him the distinguished title of the 2022-23 Gatorade Kansas Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

Averaging 15.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, Buzelis boasted an impressive shooting record of 53.7 percent from the field, with a notable 43.1 percent accuracy from beyond the arc. Under his leadership, the team achieved a commendable 22-8 record and made it to the Final Four of the GEICO Nationals tournament.

Ignite has produced three top 10 NBA Draft picks in the previous two years – the most by any program in that span – in Jalen Green (2021, No. 2, Houston Rockets), Jonathan Kuminga (2021, No. 7, Golden State Warriors) and Dyson Daniels (2022, No. 8, New Orleans Pelicans).

Ignite has had a total of six NBA Draft picks in the last two years, which matches the highest total for a program in that period.

Projected 2024 #1 Pick Matas Buzelis Feels No Pressure:

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