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Matas Buzelis discusses restrictions on midrange shooting during freshman season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 11:20 AM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

Matas Buzelis discusses restrictions on midrange shooting during freshman season

Summary

Matas Buzelis, selected 11th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2024 draft, shared details about limitations on his playing style during a podcast appearance. He revealed that he was not permitted to shoot from midrange in his first two years, which impacted his game. Despite a lackluster freshman year, Buzelis improved his scoring average to 16.3 points per game this past season. He aims to enhance his outside shooting as he prepares for the next season. The Ringer has included him among the 'Most Intriguing Breakout Candidates' for the upcoming season, highlighting the need for him to embrace physical play.

Source Links

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Latest Updates

•Buzelis averaged 8.6 points per game in his freshman year.
•He has focused on improving his midrange game this summer.
•Buzelis plans to work with Deni Avdija on strength training.
•The Bulls continue to seek improvement after recent struggles.
•Buzelis is expected to play a larger role next season.

Latest Updates

11:20 AMYahoo Sports — Bulls’ Matas Buzelis Reveals Crazy Order For Him to Not Develop ‘Playoff Weapon’ in First 2 Years

What they're saying

"
Matas Buzelis was picked 11th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2024 draft. There was hype surrounding his name as a high leaper and as a five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2023 class. However, he had a relatively boring freshman season. It must because of the order given to [...]
— Yahoo Sports

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