Bulls eliminated, Matas Buzelis backs Billy Donovan amid uncertain future

The Bulls are officially out of it. Now comes the real question.

What happens next?

Chicago was eliminated from even play-in contention following Friday’s loss, and attention is already shifting to the offseason. That includes the future of coach Billy Donovan, whose status has been the subject of speculation.

Second-year forward Matas Buzelis made it clear where he stands.

“He’s been everything,” Buzelis said, via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “A role model… someone I look up to.”

Buzelis credited Donovan for pushing him, holding him accountable and helping shape his development, even when that meant quick hooks or limited minutes.

In other words, no shortcuts.

Donovan addressed the rumors earlier this week, saying he plans to meet with ownership and the front office after the season to discuss the team’s direction.

Today, though, the Bulls are left playing out the string.

They showed some fight Friday before fading late, a familiar theme in a season that never quite found traction. Chicago sits at 29-44 with nine games remaining. Buzelis says the focus isn’t changing.

“We’re not just going to mess around these next few games,” he said. “We’re going to try to learn.”

That may be all that’s left at this point. But inside the locker room, Donovan still has believers.