In the midst of the Chicago Bulls’ ongoing rebuild, second-year forward Matas Buzelis has emerged as a beacon of hope for the franchise. At just 20 years old, the young star’s raw talent, relentless work ethic, and candid personality are already turning heads in the NBA. Following the Bulls’ 119-112 preseason victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 9, 2025, Buzelis didn’t hold back when discussing his relationship with head coach Billy Donovan, offering a refreshingly blunt and fiery perspective that has sent ripples through the basketball world.
A Coach Who Doesn’t Sugarcoat
Buzelis, speaking to the media after the game, praised Donovan’s direct and vocal coaching style, a trait that resonates deeply with the young forward’s no-nonsense approach to the game. “He’s very vocal, very direct,” Buzelis said. “I like that he’s not trying to go around anything. He’s gonna tell you what he sees, and you can have a good conversation with him. If you have a disagreement, he’s gonna be open-minded. But he’s amazing. You can hear him talking on the bench the whole time. And you can see how much he loves the game. So having a coach like that is definitely a plus.”
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This unfiltered take, also highlighted in a post by CHGO Bulls on X at 11:45 pm on October 9, 2025, underscores the mutual respect between Buzelis and Donovan. For a young player navigating the pressures of an NBA rebuild, having a coach who communicates clearly and passionately is invaluable. Donovan’s ability to balance tough love with open-mindedness has clearly struck a chord with Buzelis, who thrives under straightforward guidance.
A Mindset Built for Greatness
Buzelis’s comments didn’t stop at his admiration for Donovan. He also shared his intense approach to self-improvement, revealing a mentality that could propel him to All-Star status. “You have to come in with a mentality of like, I’m gonna get better at this and I’m gonna work as hard as I can at this, which is defense, and try to figure it out,” Buzelis told reporters. “I mean, if you don’t, you don’t; if you do, you do. But I believe, I always say I could do anything, so I can figure it out.”
This relentless drive was evident in his rookie season, where he appeared in 80 games, averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and an assist per game while shooting 45.4% from the field and an impressive 36.1% from beyond the arc. These numbers, while solid for a first-year player, only scratch the surface of Buzelis’s potential. His confidence and willingness to tackle weaknesses head-on suggest that he’s poised for a significant leap in the 2025-26 season.
Summer of Growth: Buzelis’s Offseason Focus
In an interview with Bulls insider K.C. Johnson, Buzelis opened up about how he spent his summer honing his craft under Donovan’s guidance. “I talked to Billy a little bit,” he said. “He’s been telling me, more pick and rolls. Try to work on off-the-dribble threes, stuff like that. So I’ve always been comfortable with the ball in my hands. I’ve never stressed about having the ball in my hands, and I’ve never panicked when I have the ball in my hands. It’s second nature to me, being a primary ball handler. Just something that’s going to come with time as I work on it, getting more reps.”
This focus on expanding his playmaking and shooting versatility highlights Buzelis’s commitment to becoming a complete player. His comfort as a primary ball handler, combined with his willingness to put in the reps, positions him as a potential cornerstone for the Bulls’ future. Alongside other young talents like recently drafted Noa Essengue, Buzelis is setting an example for Chicago’s next generation of stars.
The Bulls’ Rebuild: A Youth Movement
Under Donovan’s leadership, the Bulls are in the midst of a youth-driven rebuild with low external expectations for the 2025-26 season. However, players like Buzelis are the key to turning that rebuild into a success. His combination of skill, mindset, and coachability makes him a perfect fit for Donovan’s system, which emphasizes development and accountability. As Buzelis continues to grow, his partnership with Donovan could become the foundation of Chicago’s resurgence.
Bulls fans, hungry for a glimpse of hope after years of mediocrity, have every reason to be excited about Buzelis’s trajectory. His bold comments about Donovan’s coaching and his own aspirations signal a player who isn’t just along for the ride—he’s ready to lead the charge. If his offseason work translates to on-court results, Buzelis could soon transform from a promising rookie into a household name, carrying the Bulls back to relevance in the process.
A Rebellion Worth Watching
Matas Buzelis’s candid praise for Billy Donovan and his fierce determination to improve have set the stage for a breakout season. His unapologetic confidence and willingness to embrace the grind make him a player to watch in the NBA’s evolving landscape. As the Bulls continue their rebuild, Buzelis’s “rookie rebellion” is a reminder that Chicago’s future is in capable hands—both on the court and on the sidelines.