Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis will represent Lithuania in this summer’s FIBA World Cup qualifiers, marking his debut with the national team. The 19-year-old confirmed the news after discussions with the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, expressing excitement about the opportunity.
"We had a good conversation. I will play for the national team this summer. It will be a lot of fun," Buzelis said. The qualifiers are part of the road to the 2027 FIBA World Cup, with the top three teams in the four-team group advancing to the next round.
Lithuania currently holds the second seed in their qualifying group behind Italy. The group also includes Great Britain and Iceland. With three teams advancing, the stakes are high for all four. Lithuania will face Italy and Great Britain in the summer, with the exact dates still to be announced.
Buzelis has yet to appear for Lithuania on the international stage. He is the younger brother of former NBA player Donatas Buzelis and comes from a basketball family with deep ties to the sport in Lithuania. His inclusion in the national team is a major story for Lithuanian basketball fans.
Kasparas Jakucionis, the Miami Heat’s 2023 first-round pick, is also expected to play in the qualifiers. Jakucionis, 22, has already represented Lithuania internationally and brings experience to the squad. His presence could help mentor younger players like Buzelis as they prepare for international competition.
Lithuania’s current group is a tough one. Italy is the top seed and has a strong roster featuring NBA stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lorenzo Brown. Great Britain, meanwhile, has been improving its international program and is led by FIBA legend Joe Ingles. Iceland is the lowest-ranked team in the group but has shown competitiveness in recent qualifiers.
Buzelis will enter the qualifiers with a strong season under his belt. As a rookie, he averaged 11.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in 23.7 minutes per game for the Bulls. His development this season has been a key part of Chicago’s rebuild.
The national team has not always been a destination for young NBA players, but Buzelis’ decision shows a growing willingness to balance international commitments with NBA development. Jakucionis has previously played for Lithuania and will provide leadership in the coming weeks.
The summer qualifiers will be a test for Lithuania as they aim to move closer to the 2027 World Cup. Buzelis’ inclusion adds a new dimension to the team’s roster and could signal a new era for Lithuanian basketball.
The first game dates for the qualifiers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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