13 years ago, Jonas Valanciunas became the first Lithuanian chosen in the Top 10 of a Draft. Thirteen years later, the former Raptors pivot could be imitated by Matas Buzelis, the winger of Team Ignite. Between the two, there are very strong, almost family ties, since Jonas Valanciunas has known his young compatriot for… nine years!
“He’s a bit like my uncle. I see it all the time! » thus reveals Matas Buzelis at the Times-Picayune. If the teenager grew up in Chicago, it is because his father, Aidas, is the official physiotherapist for Jonas Valanciunas and the Lithuanian national team. The best Lithuanian players have passed through his hands, and the current Pelicans pivot has decided to keep him with him during the season. A rather profitable cooperation since the interior only missed 11 matches in three seasons in New Orleans.
A word of advice: don’t read the “Mock Draft” too much
“Its role is to maintain physical sensations, and to emphasize stretching” explains the Pelicans pivot. “We're not that stiff… After the match, you have to stretch and I do a lot of recovery. We feel better. Not only as a basketball player, but also on a personal level. »
In the NBA for 13 years, and as he turns 32 in May, what advice can he give to his “nephew” as he begins his preparation for the Draft?
“There’s going to be a lot of noise… One day you’ll be number 1, one day you’ll be in 20th place. This is bound to happen…” answers Jonas Valanciunas about the “Mock Draft”. “You have to stay on your path and remain sincere in what you do. Just ask yourself what you want. Find out what you need to become a good player. This is just the beginning… “
