THREE POINTER:
- Matas Buzelis, a top-six NBA draft pick, challenges ESPN’s projected No. 1 pick, Zaccharie Risacher, to a 1-on-1 pre-draft showdown.
- Buzelis and Risacher, both promising players, have yet to compete against each other on the same floor.
- Buzelis is hosting the Matas Buzelis Basketball Tournament in Lithuania, featuring six teams and engaging discussions.
The Challenge
Matas Buzelis, one of the top prospects for the 2024 NBA draft, has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging ESPN’s projected No. 1 pick, Zaccharie Risacher, to a 1-on-1 showdown in the NBA pre-draft process.
“Of course, I want to see him one-on-one. He just doesn’t want to do that with me. His agent will not do that with me, and I know he won’t. It’s a business decision,” Buzelis responded to BasketNews.
The Advantage
When asked about his main advantage over Risacher, Buzelis confidently stated, “My advantage is that I have everything over him.”
Both players, similar in height and skill set, are potential assets to NBA teams. In the latest ESPN mock draft, Risacher is projected at No. 1, while Buzelis is ranked sixth.
The Competition
As of now, Buzelis and Risacher have not had the opportunity to compete against each other on the same floor. But Buzelis is not one to be swayed by rankings.
“I try not to look at it. It’s obviously there, and I see it. But I try to stay in the zone. I know what I’m capable of, and I don’t look at what number I am. I know if I’m getting better, then I’m winning,” Buzelis stated.
The Upcoming Event
Leading up to the NBA draft, Buzelis is gearing up for another thrilling basketball event. A 19-year-old prospect is hosting the Matas Buzelis Basketball Tournament from April 4th to April 6th in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The tournament will showcase six teams, including four prominent Lithuanian squads. In addition to the tournament, there will be a conference component featuring insightful talks.
“I’m super grateful to do this tournament. I used to be a kid to look up to other basketball players, so I know what it’s like. It was my dream to do a basketball tournament for a long time,” Buzelis expressed his excitement for the upcoming tournament.
#NBA #BasketballShowdown 🏀
