With Billy Donovan on his back, Matas Bouzelis responds

« He needs to understand that it cannot happen like that. » So said Billy Donovan last January targeting Matas Buzelisabout a defensive sequence against the Warriors in which the coach felt his rookie was too relaxed. Training in the “hard way” that seems to have marked the entire season of the winger.

« We try to prepare him for what awaits him. I think the players who improve the most are the ones who are really determined and motivated. », shows a local technician todayto justify the method used for the 11th pick of the 2024 Draft.

« Matas showed that last year. It would be very easy for him to get discouraged, especially with the way I coached him because, to be honest, I pulled him out of games when I felt he wasn’t doing things he could control. He accepted this and wanted it » greets the coach speaking after his player’s first good outing against the Pistons.

Very aggressive towards the circle, where he showed his athletic qualities, the American-Lithuanian finished with 21 points (7/12 shooting), 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. The opening match that confirms that the player in the second year in the championship achieved the preseason – 18 points with 57% shooting.

Determined and motivated

« He is very determined and motivated. That’s a great start. I’ve seen a lot of very talented players that you have to keep pushing to get them going. It is difficult, because it has to come from themselves “said the coach, delighted with the reaction of his 21-year-old player.

The latter says he wants to continue learning and focus on what he needs to work on. ” I believe I can do it. There will always be a learning curve, but I’m really looking forward to seeing “, he shows. Billy Donovan, for his part, wants to see how far this curve can take the young talent, who is also targeting trophy for the best progress of the year.

« For Matas, it’s all about staying grounded and motivated. It didn’t arrive. It just isn’t. And that’s true. I like Matas and I think he has incredible potential to become an outstanding player in this league, if he keeps his determination and motivation and doesn’t believe that he has already achieved everything. Great players always stay motivated, no matter what is going on around them », term Billy Donovan.

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.