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Matas Buzelis Plans Lithuanian National‑Team Debut in World Cup Qualifying

He intends to use summer qualifying games as competitive preparation for the 2026–27 NBA season, a move that highlights Chicago’s investment in him as a young cornerstone.

Overview

  • Media reports say Buzelis intends to join Lithuania for 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifying this summer, a claim sourced mainly to EuroHoops and republished accounts and not yet confirmed by the player, the Bulls, or Lithuania’s federation.
  • If he plays, the qualifying window would mark his official senior national-team debut and provide high-level game minutes ahead of the 2026–27 NBA season.
  • Buzelis broke out in 2025–26, averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 29.2 minutes across 77 games while shooting 46.3% from the field and 34.9% from three.
  • Chicago views the 21-year-old as a potential long-term building block during its rebuild, so his offseason choices carry weight for his development and the team’s planning, and the Bulls will likely consider injury and workload risks.
  • Buzelis entered the pros via the NBA G League Ignite and was the 11th overall pick, and his reported summer plan underscores a non‑college development path that many young internationals use to gain experience.