Sunrise Sets Program Record with Three Selections in 2024 NBA Draft
In a landmark moment for Sunrise Christian Academy, three of its standout alumni were selected in the 2024 NBA Draft, underscoring the academy's unparalleled reputation for developing elite basketball talent. Matas Buzelis, Dillon Jones, and Bobi Klintman, all former Sunrise stars, have taken the next step in their basketball journeys, demonstrating the academy's exceptional ability to prepare its players for the highest levels of competition.
Matas Buzelis: 1st Round, 11th Pick by the Chicago Bulls
Leading the charge was Matas Buzelis, chosen 11th overall by the Chicago Bulls. Standing at 6'10", Buzelis is a versatile forward known for his exceptional basketball IQ, dynamic skill set, and relentless work ethic. His journey to the NBA is a testament to his consistent desire to improve and grow both as a player and person - especially during his time at Sunrise. Buzelis's season at Sunrise saw him develop into a multifaceted player capable of making significant contributions on both ends of the court. His selection by the Bulls in the lottery highlights his potential to impact the NBA immediately.
RotoWire.com added: "(Matas) is an excellent ballhander for his size and can finish with authority, but he also has solid touch on his floaters and stepbacks. He looks more comfortable as a catch-and-shoot 3-point option in the corners... Buzelis has elite defensive instincts, displaying fantastic patience and timing when contesting shots. He's also agile enough to be a solid perimeter defender."
Dillon Jones: 1st Round, 26th Pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder
Joining Buzelis in the first round was Dillon Jones, selected 26th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jones, a 6'6" guard-forward, is renowned for his defensive prowess and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He completed his career at Weber State top five in the following statistical categories: points, rebounding, assists, steals, free throws made, and career double-doubles. Jones's journey at Sunrise was marked by his versatility and competitive spirit. His defensive skills and energetic play style made him a standout player, and his transition to the NBA with the Thunder signifies his readiness to begin to compete at the professional level.
RotoWire.com added: "(Dillon) has the scoring ability and size to eventually make an impact as a role player in the NBA, but he could develop into a reliable starter if he develops a 3-point shot."
Bobi Klintman: 2nd Round, 37th Pick by the Detroit Pistons
Rounding out the trio was Bobi Klintman, selected in the second round with the 37th pick by the Detroit Pistons. The 6'9" forward is known for his shooting ability, rebounding, and skill. Klintman's journey from Sunrise to the NBA is a testament to Sunrise's reputation for succesfully developing international players. Klintman's development at Sunrise focused on enhancing his shooting skills and rebounding prowess. His selection by the Pistons reflects his potential to be a valuable asset in the NBA.
RotoWire.com added: "(Bobi) pairs good cutting and active rebounding with his transition prowess and passable shooting, and he likely has enough defensive versatility to make an impact..."
A Legacy of Excellence
The success of Buzelis, Jones, and Klintman in the 2024 NBA Draft set a mark in Sunrise history as being the first time that SCA has had three players drafted in a single draft class. The program's focus on comprehensive development—encompassing physical conditioning, mental toughness, and personal growth—ensures that its student-athletes are well-prepared for the rigors of life, college, and professional basketball.
As these three alumni embark on their NBA careers, we hope they carry with them the values and lessons learned at Sunrise. The academy's dedication to player development and excellence continues to produce outstanding young men ready to compete at the highest levels.
Following the conclusion of the NBA Draft, Sunrise alumni N'Faly Dante (class of 2019) was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Houston Rockets.
Blake Hinson (class of 2018) was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Lakers.
The following Buffaloes have made it to the NBA following their graduation from SCA:
Buddy Hield
SCA Grad Class: 2012
Draft (Year, Round- Pick): 2016, 1st Round- 6th Pick
Teams: New Orleans Pelicans 2016-2017
Sacramento Kings 2017-2022
Indiana Pacers 2022-24
Philadelphia 76ers 2024-Present
College: Oklahoma
From: Freeport, The Bahamas
Major Accolades:
2nd Team All-Big 12 (2014)
NCAA 3rd Team All-American (2015)
NCAA Sweet 16 (2015)
2x 1st Team All-Big 12 (2015, 2016)
2x Big 12 Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
NCAA Consensus 1st Team All-American (2016)
NCAA Jerry West Award (2016)
NCAA Oscar Robertson Trophy (2016)
NCAA John R Wooden Award (2016)
Sporting News College Player of the Year (2016)
NCAA Naismith College Player of the Year (2016)
NCAA Final 4 (2016)
NBA All-Rookie 1st Team (2017)
NBA 3-Point Contest Champion (2020)
Kennedy Chandler
SCA Grad Class: 2021
Draft (Year, Round- Pick): 2022, 2nd Round- 38th Pick
Teams: Memphis Grizzlies 2022-23
Memphis Hustle (Grizzlies G-League Affiliate) 2023
Long Island Nets (Brooklyn Nets G-League Affiliate) 2023-Present
College: Tennessee
From: Memphis, TN
Major Accolades:
2x Tennessee Mr. Basketball (2019, 2020)
McDonald's All-American (2021)
Nike Hoop Summit (2021)
Kansas High School Gatorade Player of the Year (2021)
National High School Championship Runners-Up (2021)
SEC All-Freshman Team (2022)
2nd Team All-SEC (2022)
SEC Tournament MVP (2022)
Kendall Brown
SCA Grad Class: 2022
Draft (Year, Round- Pick): 2022, 2nd Round- 48th Pick
Teams: Indiana Pacers 2022-Present
College: Baylor
From: Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Major Accolades:
National High School Championship Runners-Up
McDonald's All-American (2021)
Nike Hoop Summit (2021)
Big 12 All-Freshman Team (2022)
Gradey Dick
SCA Grad Class: 2022
Draft (Year, Round- Pick): 2023, 1st Round- 13th Pick
Teams: Toronto Raptors 2023-Present
College: Kansas
From: Wichita, KS
Major Accolades:
2x Kansas High School Gatorade Player of the Year (2020, 2022)
National High School Championship Runners-Up
McDonald's All-American (2022)
Nike Hoop Summit (2022)
Gatorade High School National Player of the Year (2022)
National High School Tournament Elite 8 (2022)
Big 12 All-Freshman Team (2023)
Big 12 All-Newcomer Team (2023)
2nd Team All-Big 12 (2023)
Big 12 Champion (2023)
Matas Buzelis
SCA Grad Class: 2023
Draft (Year, Round- Pick): 2024, 1st Round- 11th Pick
Teams: Chicago Bulls 2024-Present
Pre-NBA: NBA G-League Ignite Program
2023-24
From: Chicago, Illinois (Lithuanian-American)
Major Accolades:
McDonald's All-American (2023)
Nike Hoop Summit (2023)
Kansas High School Gatorade Player of the Year (2023)
National High School Tournament Final 4 (2023)
NBA Rising Stars (2024)
Dillon Jones
SCA Grad Class: 2020
Draft (Year, Round- Pick): 2024, 1st Round- 26th Pick
Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder 2024-Present
College: Weber State
From: Columbia, South Carolina
Major Accolades:
Big Sky Freshman of the Year (2021)
3x All-Big Sky 1st Team (2022-2024)
Big Sky Player of the Year (2024)
NCAA Julius Irving Award Finalist (2024)
Top 5 All-Time in Weber State History in Points (5th), Rebounds (3rd), Assists (2nd), Steals (1st), and FTs Made (2nd)
Weber State All-Time Steals Leader
Bobi Klintman
SCA Grad Class: 2022
Draft (Year, Round- Pick): 2024, 2nd Round- 37th Pick
Teams: Detroit Pistons 2024-Present
Before NBA: Freshman year at Wake Forest 2022-23
1 year and Cairns Taipans (NBL)
2023-24
From: Malme, Sweden
Major Accolades:
National High School Tournament Elite 8 (2022)
N'Faly Dante
SCA Grad Class: 2019
Draft (Year, Round- Pick): 2024 UDFA (two-way)
Teams: Houston Rockets 2024-Present
College: Oregon
From: Bamako, Mali
Major Accolades:
FIBA U16 African Championships Gold Medal (2017)
National High School Tournament Elite 8 (2018)
2x Nike Hoop Summit (2018, 2019)
Sweet 16 Appearance (2021)
2x 1st Team All-PAC 12 (2023, 2024)
PAC-12 All-Defensive Team (2024)
PAC-12 Tournament MOP (2024)
Blake Hinson
SCA Class of: 2018
Draft (Year, Round- Pick): 2024 UDFA (two-way)
Teams: Los Angeles Lakers 2024-Present
College: Pitt
From: Deltona, FL
Major Accolades:
National High School Tournament Elite 8 (2018)
2nd Team All-ACC (2023)
1st Team All-ACC (2024)
Congratulations to all of our Sunrise Christian Academy alumni as we continue to pray for them and cheer them on wherever they go.