The road to 2024 NBA Draft has already started. While some of the best college players have already seen make their offseason tournament debuts, such as Kentucky’s DJ Wagner and USC’s Isaiah Collier, fans will get a chance to see future NBA stars in action this week.
He NBA G League Ignite will host the two-game G League Fall Invitational against NBL Australia’s Perth Wildcats in Henderson, Nevada on September 6 and 8.
These two matchups will serve as the first opportunity to see Ignite’s talented roster, where two No. 1 Draft prospects stand out as Matas Buzelis and Ron Hollandas well as Spain’s Izan Almansa.
They will face some wild cats who made the Playoffs last year at NBL and have the MVP of the competition, Bryce Cottonalong with the promise Alexander Sar.
Buzelis and Holland will look to make their mark in the Draft this year, but What does the former have that puts him in contention for the first pick?
Why G League Ignite’s Matas Buzelis Is In The Race To Be #1 In The 2024 NBA Draft
For those who don’t know Bouzelis, he is his player 5-star, McDonald’s All-American and ranked #5 in the Class of 2023according to 247 Sports.
The 18-year-old Latvian had a long list of high-profile college offers, but decided to pass up Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan State and UCLA to turn pro and go the G League Ignite route.
With height 2.11 and 88 kg, You’d think Bouzelis would play four or five, but he’s a true small forward.
He handles the ball with confidence on the perimeter and is more than capable of creating his own shot. He’s already a reliable 3-point shooter, but he can also use his size to his advantage, taking advantage of matchups against smaller players to finish around the rim.
6’10 5-star Matas Buzelis gets buckets in Nike EYBL KC 🪣 Recently opted to skip college to commit to G League Ignite for 2023-24 season (post year) pic.twitter.com/zyy2ccTic0
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 9, 2022
Defensively, with his body he would currently allow himself to take on high-level perimeter work, but with his height and length, he should have no problem guarding other outside linebackers once he finishes developing.
He still needs to improve his ball handling and playmaking ability if he wants to be a team’s first attacking option, and there’s room for him to develop as a defender as time goes on, but there’s no denying Buzelis’ high potential.
He fits the archetype of the versatile player with the ability to impact offense and defense that every team is looking for in today’s NBA. The G League Ignite track could be the perfect option for your development as a prospect, allowing you to test your body against adults and other pros while spending an entire year training for NBA-level strength and technique.
If all goes according to plan, Bouzelis should be in discussion to be the #1 pick in the 2024 NBA draft next June.
