Matas Buzelis talks recruitment
One of the top juniors on the planet spoke with Bull City Hoops about his recruitment, plan and specifically Duke.
Matas Buzelis has become one of the most nationally coveted juniors in the nation. The 6-foot-10 athlete holds scholarship offers from elite college programs from all corners of the nation.
He spoke exclusively with Bull City Hoops.
“I’m so thankful I worked so hard for this opportunity,” he said when asked about the impact that his national recruitment has had on him.
Naturally, as a humble kid from the midwest may do, he credited the people that have helped him along his journey.
“I want to give a shoutout to my family and my little brother,” he told BCH. “My coach, Dmitry and Brandon Young. That’s who’s helped me to be where I’m at now.”
As for where he’s at now, the five-star junior who plays at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., has seen a parade of coaches flying to his school to see him play. But most importantly, to be seen by him. He says that the faces he’s seen have made an emotional impact.
“I have never thought that I’d ever be talking to those coaches, it’s been a great experience to talk to all of them and have a moment.”
And the blueblood offers that have rolled in have just been the cherry on top.
“I’ve always wanted to have an offer from a blueblood school. It’s great to have the opportunity to go to one of those schools.”
Digging more specifically about the Duke offer and interest, BCH knows that Chris Carrawell has been up to see him, and that was followed by another trip by Jon Scheyer.
“To me I want to create a relationship with the staff and have that moving on to other things in my life.” — Buzelis on important factors
Scheyer has had some conversations about Buzelis taking an official visit to Durham and talks have centered on similar sized players who have done well in the Duke spread offense.
“I’ve talked to them about visiting the campus but we have not found a date. And we have been talking about the great players who have went though the program. We also brought up how we are both from Illinois,” he added.
The lanky forward with guard-like skills has enjoyed hearing about the former players, but he’s adamant that his rapport and comfort with the collegiate coaches will also be a big part of his eventual decision.
“(Similarly styled players) has an impact on me, but I am my own player,” he said. “And to me it’s not just about basketball. To me I want to create a relationship with the staff and have that moving on to other things in my life.”
He has a couple of other things that he’s seeking as well, as he moves toward a decision.
“I’m seeking someone who can develop my basketball skills and my body,” he said.
Reminds me some of Mike D