Illinois Basketball: Illini offer 2023 in-state wing Matas Buzelis

The Illinois basketball team just offered a tall, athletic 2023 prospect with a very dynamic set of skills.

Coach Brad Underwood and the Illini staff have continued to prioritize the class of 2023.  After offering five-star Kwame Evans Jr. earlier this week, the Illini offered another member of the 2023 class.  This offer went out to Matas Buzelis.

Buzelis is a 6-foot-8, small forward currently attending Hinsdale Central High School, located in Hinsdale, IL.  Buzelis also plays for Mac Irvin Fire, the same team current Illini Ayo Dosunmu, Da’Monte Williams and Adam Miller played for.

The 2023 prospect is not yet rated by any recruiting sites, but that will most definitely change soon.

What type of player is Matas Buzelis?

Watching Buzelis’ film, many things stood out to me.  The biggest thing, however, was his ability to make plays in general.

The 2023 small forward has consistency with his three-point jumper, making him a reliable scorer.  Additionally, he can create an opening to score in the paint with some flashy moves to the basket, whether that’s with a cross-over move, a spin move, or a behind-the-back dribble.

The Illinois native has proven he can finish at the basket with a slam-dunk or a flashy reverse lay-up.  His tape also indicates he will not hesitate to put somebody on a poster by dunking on them.

To go along with possessing the ability to score from every level of the court and his nasty handles, Buzelis is also great at dishing out dimes and has shown he is an unselfish player.

If the Illini are able to land this playmaker, Buzelis has the capability of playing anywhere from the No. 1 to the No. 3 positions in Coach Underwood’s system.  His handles, athleticism, and passing abilities provide him with the skills necessary to bring the ball up the floor.

However, I see most of his minutes coming at the No. 3, as this is his primary position.  Buzelis’ size, play-making, and scoring abilities make him a natural wing, and this is where I think he would play his best ball.

The Illini currently have no commitments for the class of 2023, so landing Buzelis early would certainly give this class a huge boost.