Matas Buzelis wants to train with Deni Avdija, recalls childhood anecdote

Lithuanian basketball prospect Matas Buzelis has identified Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija as the NBA player he most wants to train with during the upcoming offseason. Buzelis, who stands at 203 cm, explained that he wants to improve his offensive game, particularly his drives to the basket.

"I've been communicating with him lately. I think I was choosing three-pointers too often last season, and now I want to attack the basket more. I'd like to learn how he drives, how he uses his body, lowers his shoulder, and attacks," Buzelis said on the "Ball In The Family" podcast. He noted that he saw Avdija in Las Vegas and hopes to train together soon.

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I've been communicating with him lately. I think I was choosing three-pointers too often last season, and now I want to attack the basket more. I'd like to learn how he drives, how he uses his body, lowers his shoulder, and attacks. I saw him in Las Vegas, and if everything works out, we will train together this weekend.

While Avdija is his top choice, Buzelis also mentioned Franz Wagner and Kevin Durant as players he would like to train with. He acknowledged Durant's legendary status but reiterated his current priority is Avdija, citing Avdija's proficiency in drawing fouls as a key area for learning.

Buzelis also shared a humorous childhood memory from his time playing youth basketball in Chicago. He recounted how his mother was very particular about the teams he joined, often ensuring he played in environments with diverse representation. "My mom always tried to get me into the best possible environment in basketball. When we were looking for a team in Chicago, we would visit different clubs, but if she saw there were too many white people, she wouldn't let me go there," he recalled with a smile.

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My mom always tried to get me into the best possible environment in basketball. When we were looking for a team in Chicago, we would visit different clubs, but if she saw there were too many white people, she wouldn't let me go there. She could work in the Los Angeles Lakers management. She definitely wouldn't have left me there. We eventually found the 'Mean Streets' and 'Mac Irvin' teams. That's where I played.