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Contents

   



(Top)
 


1 History  



1.1  Origins of the team  





1.2  EuroBasket 1935  





1.3  1936 Summer Olympic Games (Berlin 1936)  





1.4  EuroBasket 1937  





1.5  EuroBasket 1939  





1.6  Soviet and Nazi period (19401991)  





1.7  After the restoration of independence (from 1991)  





1.8  EuroBasket 2013  





1.9  EuroBasket 2015  





1.10  EuroBasket 2017  





1.11  Recent years (20192022)  





1.12  Road to the 2023 FIBA World Cup  







2 Competitive record  



2.1  FIBA World Cup  





2.2  Olympic Games  





2.3  EuroBasket  







3 Results and fixtures  



3.1  2023  





3.2  2024  





3.3  2025  







4 Team  



4.1  Current roster  





4.2  Depth chart  





4.3  Notable players  





4.4  Head coach history  





4.5  Notable players  





4.6  Past rosters  







5 Record against other teams  





6 See also  





7 Notes  





8 References  





9 External links  














Latvia men's national basketball team






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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 


Latvia
FIBA ranking6Increase 2 (1 March 2024)[1]
Joined FIBA1932 (co-founders)
FIBA zoneFIBA Europe
National federationLBS
CoachLuca Banchi
Olympic Games
Appearances1
MedalsNone
FIBA World Cup
Appearances1
MedalsNone
EuroBasket
Appearances14
MedalsGold Gold: (1935)
Silver Silver: (1939)

Home jersey

Team colours

Home

Away jersey

Team colours

Away

First international
 Latvia 20–16 Estonia 
(Riga, Latvia; 29 April 1924)[2]
Biggest win
 Latvia 108–7 Finland 
(Kaunas, Lithuania; 24 May 1939)[3]
Biggest defeat
 Lithuania 108–65 Latvia 
(Kaunas, Lithuania; 17 November 1993)

The Latvia men's national basketball team (Latvian: Latvijas basketbola izlase) represents Latvia in international basketball. They are organized and run by the Latvian Basketball Association. Latvia has reached the European Basketball Championship 15 times, with their ultimate success occurring during the inter-war period, when they became the first team to win the tournament in 1935. Four years later, they had another impressive run to come away with the silver in 1939. Although after 1939, Latvia were forced to suspend their national team operations, due to the Occupation of the Baltic states during World War II. Latvia regained independence in 1991, with their national team taking part in international competition once again a year later.

History[edit]

Origins of the team[edit]

On 26 November 1923, the Latvijas Basketbola Savienība was founded, earlier than most basketball federations from other countries.[4]

On 29 April 1924, Latvia played their first international game versus Estonia, winning it 20–16.[5]

In the winter of 1924, the first men's basketball championship was held, while the first women's championship was organized in 1933.[6]

Latvians, like their Baltic neighbors Lithuanians and Estonians, also began playing basketball in the 1920s, quickly rising as the strongest of the Baltic teams. On 13 December 1925 in Riga, when the Lithuanian national team played their first international game. Latvia easily swept them with the score of 41–20.[7] Later on, Latvia continued to dominate the future three-times European champions as well (41–29 and 123–10).[8] In fact, Latvia had one of the world's strongest national basketball teams. The first Latvian teams consisted of students and pupils, who were trained by coaches of the American YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association).[9]

Latvia also was one of the eight countries which signed the founding act of FIBA on 18 June 1932 in Geneva, along with Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Argentina. The Latvian representative in this event was Jāzeps Šadeiko.[10]

EuroBasket 1935[edit]

The Latvian national team at EuroBasket 1935.

The Latvians won the first European basketball championship, the EuroBasket 1935 held by the International Basketball Federation's FIBA Europe continental federation. They defeated Hungary in the preliminary round, Switzerland in the semi-finals, and Spain in the final to finish at the top of the ten-nation field.[11]

Latvia held their opponents to 49 points over three games, the lowest points-against average in the tournament. Their scoring rate, 98 points over three games for 32.67 points per game, was second only to France.

Latvia is the smallest country in population to ever win the EuroBasket.

In 2012, Latvian film director Aigars Grauba directed the historical sports drama Dream Team 1935 about the journey of the Latvian team towards winning the title.[12][11]

1936 Summer Olympic Games (Berlin 1936)[edit]

The Latvia national basketball team participated in the first appearance of basketball as an official Olympic medal event. Latvia were reigning European champions and were considered to be one of the pre-tournament favorites. Although the Olympics did not go that well for the Latvians. They began the tournament with a 20–17 victory over Uruguay. However, they were soundly beaten 23–34 by Canada and after suffering another defeat to Poland 23–28, the Latvians did not qualify for the knockout stage, unlike their neighbors Estonia.[13] This was the first and only appearance for Latvia at the Olympic Games as of 2019 (their female counterparts made their first appearance in 2008).[14]

EuroBasket 1937[edit]

At the EuroBasket 1937, the reigning champions got off to a great start in their first game in the tournament by blowing out Czechoslovakia 44–11. In their second game they lost a close one to Poland to drop to (1–1) in the standings. They finished up group play with a needed win against France to put them in a three-way tie for the lead of the four-team group. However, it wouldn't be enough for the national team to reach the semi-finals as they came out on the bottom of the tie-breaker against Poland and France. This result came about despite the Latvians being the highest-scoring team in the entire tournament and allowing fewer opponent points than any of the other teams in their group.

Being in the bottom half of the preliminary group meant that the team could finish no better than fifth. In the classification semifinal, Latvia faced Egypt, which had withdrawn after their first two preliminary matches. They advanced to the 5th/6th place playoff, which they lost to Estonia 41–19.

EuroBasket 1939[edit]

Latvia national team during opening ceremony of EuroBasket 1939

In1939, despite losing twice, including a rematch of the 1937 game against Estonia, Latvia secured silver medals with 5 wins. Poland, which also had a 5–2 record, finished third as Latvia had won the match between the two teams. The tournament's opening and, in retrospect, decisive game between Latvia and Lithuania ended in a dramatic late victory for the hosts and eventual champions Lithuania, souring the sports relations between the two countries and leading to the cancellation of the 1939 Baltic Cup.[15]

One of the 1939's vice-champions, Alfrēds Krauklis, once said: "Frankly saying – these three Baltic states raised the European basketball. Now they say that its Spanish, and so what? Let them say... And I say – it's our merit!".[16]

Soviet and Nazi period (1940–1991)[edit]

Due to Soviet and Nazi occupations, Latvians were unable to represent Latvia in FIBA organized tournaments or the Olympic Games. Instead, they were forced to play for the Soviet Union national team.

Horrific timesinLatvia began. In 1940 the massive people deportations started, implemented by the Soviets. Thousands of Latvians were forced to leave their homeland, thousands of them died due to the active warfare during World War II.

Though, despite all the cruel challenges, basketball was continued to be played and retained its popularity in Latvia. In 1941 a Baltic States tournament was organized in Kaunas Sports Hall. The Lithuanian SSR team won the final against the Latvian SSR, 38–33.[17]

At the 1952 Summer Olympics, Maigonis Valdmanis became the first Latvian representative on the Soviet squad, which won the Olympic silver medals that year. A few years later two other Latvian basketball stars joined the team: Jānis Krūmiņš and Valdis Muižnieks. Later on, the trio won two EuroBasket titles and two times became Olympic vice-champions together.

In the 1950s, Rīgas ASK, coached by the Soviet legend Aleksandr Gomelsky, became the major force of the Soviet Union and even Europe by winning three consecutive European Cup titles from 1958 to 1960. The club's roster had multiple European champions in Jānis Krūmiņš, Maigonis Valdmanis and Valdis Muižnieks.[18] Furthermore, in 1960 TTT Riga won the European Cup for Women's Clubs, undoubtedly turning Riga into the capital of basketball with the two major European basketball titles held by the single city's clubs at the same time. And it only was the first of the stunning 18 European titles.

In later years other Latvian basketball stars appeared, such as Valdis Valters and Igors Miglinieks, both of whom were eventually crowned as Olympic champions. Valdis Valters is considered to be one of Europe's greatest basketball players of the 1980s. In addition to his Olympic title, he also won the World Cupin1982 and became the European champion twice, being named as the MVPofEuroBasket 1981.

Andris Biedriņš representing Team Latvia at the EuroBasket 2009

After the restoration of independence (from 1991)[edit]

On 4 May 1990 Latvia declared the country's independence from the Soviet Union. Consequently, in September 1991 its basketball federation was re-affiliated with FIBA.[19] Though, despite having some remarkable players like Valdis Valters, Igors Miglinieks, Ainars Bagatskis, Kaspars Kambala, Andris Biedriņš, Latvia failed to recover its inter-war glory. Their best result after restoring the country's independence is the 5th place achieved at EuroBasket 2017. Although, basketball is slowly regaining its power in Latvia with the help of the medals-winning youth squads.

Latvia basketball fans

EuroBasket 2013[edit]

During EuroBasket 2013, Latvia began their tournament run with two wins against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro before facing longtime Baltic rival Lithuania. Although in the highly anticipated match between the two nations, Lithuania prevailed 67–59. Latvia then lost their next match versus Serbia, but rebounded to win their final fixture in group play against Macedonia to advance.

In the second group phase of the tournament Latvia displayed immediate dominance in their first game of group play over Ukraine winning 86–51. It turned out to be the only win Latvia would record in the group, as they were eventually eliminated.

EuroBasket 2015[edit]

France v Latvia quarter-finals match at EuroBasket 2015

As one of the hosts for EuroBasket 2015 in Riga, Latvia began their campaign at the tournament victorious over Belgium 78–67. In their second match, they were once again pitted against their rivals Lithuania. Latvia looked to avenge their lost from the prior EuroBasket showdown between the two, as the national team got off to a strong start in the 1st quarter. Unfortunately, the Latvians were unable to maintain the momentum they started the match with, as they fell to their rivals again, 68–49. While it was demoralizing for Latvia to be defeated in that manner in front of their home crowd, they recovered quickly to win two out of the next three matches they played to move on to the knockout stage. There, Latvia beat Slovenia to advance to the quarter-finals, but ultimately fell short to the eventual bronze medalist France.

EuroBasket 2017[edit]

At EuroBasket 2017, Latvia entered the competition with high expectations, as they fielded one of their most potent lineups ever. With the addition of Latvian star Kristaps Porziņģis joining the senior national team for the first time, Latvia was poised to go on a long tournament run. But in their first match they were out lasted by a veteran Serbian squad, 92–82. Although, the national team bounced back in a huge way dismantling Belgium 92–64, with Porziņģis and Jānis Timma leading the way in scoring with 27 points apiece. They also went on to win their next three matches in group play to finish with a (4–1) record, to earn a spot in the knockout rounds. In their round of 16 match up, they throttled Montenegro 100–68. Latvia ran into an buzz saw in their quarter-finals match though, falling to the eventual champions Slovenia.

Latvia finished fifth in the tournament overall, reaching their best post-war result in the history of the national team, in which Kristaps Porziņģis debuted with astonishing averages of 23.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks at the age of 22.[20]

Recent years (2019–2022)[edit]

Latvia national team before a friendly versus Lithuania in 2023

On 1 August 2019, Latvia named former player Roberts Štelmahers the new head coach of the national team. He replaced Arnis Vecvagars.[21] In March 2022, Latvia was selected as one of the four co-hosts for EuroBasket 2025, where they will host one preliminary phase group, as well as the knockout rounds.

Road to the 2023 FIBA World Cup[edit]

Latvian basketball fans in 2023

After the signing of Luca Banchi as head coach in 2021, Latvia went on to qualify for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, making it the first time the national team would appear at the World Cup finals.[22][23]

Latvia entered the competition with high hopes, however, their biggest star Kristaps Porziņģis was unable to represent the team during the 2023 FIBA World Cup, due to failing to recover from an injury.[24] Nevertheless, Latvia surprisingly eliminated European vice-champions France in the first round by winning a decisive game 88–86 and qualified to the second round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup with two victories (also versus Lebanon 109–70) and one 101–75 loss to Canada.[25][26] One of the Latvian team leaders Dāvis Bertāns described victory versus France as "the biggest win in Latvian basketball history since 1935".[27] In the second round Latvia achieved yet another memorable 74–69 victory versus the reigning world champions Spain.[28] In the next game Latvia crushed Brazil 104–84 and advanced to the quarter-finals as the second-best team in the group, leaving Spain and Brazil behind without playoffs.[29] But in quarter-final Latvia lost to Germany in the last seconds with the result 79–81 and did not directly qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.[30] Latvia finished the tournament in fifth place after defeating Italy (82–87) and Lithuania (98–63).[31][26]

Competitive record[edit]

Results and fixtures[edit]

  Win   Loss

2023[edit]

2 August 2023

Friendly

Latvia  87–77  Sweden Liepaja, Latvia
19:00 (UTC+3) Scoring by quarter: 26–22, 28–13, 15–26, 18–16
Pts: Šmits17
Rebs: R. Kurucs8
Asts: Mejeris5
Boxscore Pts: Clarence16
Rebs: Andersson6
Asts: Terins4
Arena: Liepaja Olympic Centre
5 August 2023

Friendly

Latvia  82–57  Georgia Riga, Latvia
18:00 (UTC+3) Scoring by quarter: 19–20, 26–19, 20–10, 17–8
Pts: Šķēle16
Rebs: Čavars6
Asts: Žagars5
Boxscore Pts: Shermadini14
Rebs: Mamukelashvili9
Asts: Andronikashvili3
Arena: Arena Riga
12 August 2023

Friendly

Latvia  74–69  Dominican Republic Riga, Latvia
18:00 (UTC+3) Scoring by quarter: 19–17, 24–19, 15–16, 16–17
Pts: Bertāns, Pasečņiks11
Rebs: R. Kurucs7
Asts: Zoriks5
Boxscore Pts: Vargas12
Rebs: Figueroa, Santos5
Asts: Solano4
Arena: Arena Riga
16 August 2023

Friendly

Latvia  94–57  Finland Riga, Latvia
19:30 (UTC+3) Scoring by quarter: 16–20, 23–12, 25–8, 30–12
Pts: Šmits21
Rebs: Gražulis10
Asts: four players4
Boxscore Pts: Valtonen11
Rebs: Valtonen8
Asts: Little7
Arena: Arena Riga
20 August 2023

Friendly

Latvia  84–72  Puerto Rico New Taipei City, Taiwan
14:00 (UTC+8) Scoring by quarter: 14–13, 21–20, 23–18, 26–21
Arena: Xinzhuang Gymnasium
22 August 2023

Friendly

Lithuania  93–69  Latvia New Taipei City, Taiwan
19:00 (UTC+8) Scoring by quarter: 30–12, 31–14, 15–22, 17–21
Arena: Xinzhuang Gymnasium
25 August 2023

2023 FIBA World Cup – Group stage

Latvia  109–70  Lebanon Jakarta, Indonesia
16:15 (UTC+7) Scoring by quarter: 27–17, 28–13, 27–18, 27–22
Pts: Dai. Bertāns20
Rebs: Gražulis, Šmits7
Asts: Žagars11
Boxscore Pts: El Darwich19
Rebs: El Darwich5
Asts: Arakji8
Arena: Indonesia Arena
Attendance: 5,834
Referees: Julio Anaya (PAN), Scott Beker (AUS), Jenna Reneau (USA)
27 August 2023

2023 FIBA World Cup – Group stage

France  86–88  Latvia Jakarta, Indonesia
20:30 (UTC+7) Scoring by quarter: 33–26, 20–23, 21–13, 12–26
Pts: Fournier27
Rebs: Gobert7
Asts: De Colo8
Boxscore Pts: Žagars22
Rebs: R. Kurucs5
Asts: Žagars5
Arena: Indonesia Arena
Attendance: 9,628
Referees: Julio Anaya (PAN), Juan Fernández (ARG), Andrés Bartel (URU)
29 August 2023

2023 FIBA World Cup – Group stage

Canada  101–75  Latvia Jakarta, Indonesia
20:30 (UTC+7) Scoring by quarter: 13–23, 30–19, 24–15, 34–18
Pts: Gilgeous-Alexander27
Rebs: Ejim7
Asts: Gilgeous-Alexander6
Boxscore Pts: Gražulis16
Rebs: R. Kurucs10
Asts: Šķēle6
Arena: Indonesia Arena
Attendance: 11,186
Referees: Juan Fernández (ARG), Jenna Reneau (USA), Johnny Batista (PUR)
1 September 2023

2023 FIBA World Cup – 2nd Group stage

Spain  69–74  Latvia Jakarta, Indonesia
16:45 (UTC+7) Scoring by quarter: 16–17, 16–12, 26–18, 11–27
Pts: W. Hernangómez14
Rebs: Claver,
J. Hernangómez5
Asts: Llull7
Boxscore Pts: Dāv. Bertāns16
Rebs: R. Kurucs8
Asts: Žagars5
Arena: Indonesia Arena
Attendance: 7,117
Referees: Roberto Vázquez (PUR), Aleksandar Glišić (SRB), Juan Fernández (ARG)
3 September 2023

2023 FIBA World Cup – 2nd Group stage

Brazil  84–104  Latvia Jakarta, Indonesia
16:45 (UTC+7) Scoring by quarter: 20–22, 22–23, 21–36, 21–23
Pts: Caboclo20
Rebs: Caboclo, Lucas7
Asts: Marcelinho9
Boxscore Pts: Gražulis24
Rebs: R. Kurucs5
Asts: Zoriks6
Arena: Indonesia Arena
Attendance: 10,412
Referees: Roberto Vázquez (PUR), Aleksandar Glišić (SRB), Johnny Batista (PUR)
6 September 2023

2023 FIBA World Cup – Quarter-finals

Germany  81–79  Latvia Pasay, Philippines
16:45 (UTC+8) Scoring by quarter: 13–16, 23–18, 26–25, 19–20
Pts: F. Wagner16
Rebs: Theis, F. Wagner8
Asts: Schröder4
Boxscore Pts: Žagars24
Rebs: R. Kurucs10
Asts: Žagars8
Arena: Mall of Asia Arena
Attendance: 7,584
Referees: Antonio Conde (ESP), Yohan Rosso (FRA), Martin Vulić (CRO)
7 September 2023

2023 FIBA World Cup – Classifying round

Italy  82–87  Latvia Pasay, Philippines
16:45 (UTC+8) Scoring by quarter: 26–18, 16–28, 18–21, 22–20
Pts: Datome20
Rebs: Melli9
Asts: Spissu7
Boxscore Pts: Gražulis28
Rebs: Gražulis6
Asts: Šķēle9
Arena: Mall of Asia Arena
Attendance: 4,579
Referees: Ademir Zurapović (BIH), Takaki Kato (JPN), Blanca Burns (USA)
9 September 2023

2023 FIBA World Cup – Fifth place game

Latvia  98–63  Lithuania Pasay, Philippines
20:30 (UTC+8) Scoring by quarter: 28–20, 21–18, 28–9, 21–16
Pts: A. Kurucs20
Rebs: four players6
Asts: Žagars17
Boxscore Pts: Jokubaitis16
Rebs: Sedekerskis10
Asts: Brazdeikis3
Arena: Mall of Asia Arena
Attendance: 9,440
Referees: Manuel Mazzoni (ITA), Blanca Burns (USA), Johnny Batista (PUR)

2024[edit]

22 February 2024

EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers

Spain  75–79  Latvia Zaragoza, Spain
20:00 (UTC+1) Scoring by quarter: 14–23, 23–17, 20–17, 18–22
Pts: Brizuela16
Rebs: J. Hernangómez7
Asts: Rubio5
Boxscore Pts: Lomažs18
Rebs: Cavars7
Asts: Lomažs7
Arena: Pabellón Príncipe Felipe
Attendance: 10,533
Referees: Ademir Zurapović (BIH), Igor Mitrovski (MKD), Beniamino Attard (ITA)
25 February 2024

EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers

Latvia  64–52  Slovakia Riga, Latvia
17:05 (UTC+2) Scoring by quarter: 15–10, 16–17, 14–11, 19–14
Pts: Gražulis18
Rebs: Gražulis9
Asts: Zoriks4
Boxscore Pts: Krajčovič12
Rebs: Ihring, Mokráň5
Asts: Ihring6
Arena: Arena Riga
Attendance: 10,890
Referees: Saverio Lanzarini (ITA), Viola Györgyi (NOR), Alexandre Deman (FRA)
22 November 2024

EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers

Latvia  vs.  Belgium Latvia
Boxscore
25 November 2024

EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers

Belgium  vs.  Latvia Belgium
Boxscore

2025[edit]

20 February 2025

EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers

Latvia  vs.  Spain Latvia
Boxscore
23 February 2025

EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers

Slovakia  vs.  Latvia Slovakia
Boxscore

Team[edit]

Current roster[edit]

Roster for the EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers matches on 22 and 25 February 2024 against Spain and Slovakia.[32][33]

Latvia men's national basketball team roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Age – Date of birth Height Club Ctr.
F 00 Rodions Kurucs 26 – (1998-02-05)5 February 1998 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) Murcia Spain
F/C 3 Kriss Helmanis 21 – (2002-04-07)7 April 2002 2.12 m (6 ft 11 in) Tübingen Germany
F 4 Ojārs Siliņš 30 – (1993-07-20)20 July 1993 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) Stal Ostrów Poland
SG 9 Dairis Bertāns (C) 34 – (1989-09-09)9 September 1989 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) VEF Rīga Latvia
SF 10 Jānis Timma 31 – (1992-07-02)2 July 1992 2.03 m (6 ft 8 in) Obradoiro Spain
SF 12 Artūrs Strautiņš 25 – (1998-10-23)23 October 1998 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) Derthona Italy
C 18 Klavs Cavars 28 – (1996-02-11)11 February 1996 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) Yokohama Excellence Japan
G 19 Rihards Lomažs 27 – (1996-04-13)13 April 1996 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) Virtus Bologna Italy
PF 24 Andrejs Gražulis 30 – (1993-07-21)21 July 1993 2.02 m (6 ft 8 in) Trento Italy
PF 28 Mārcis Šteinbergs 22 – (2001-08-28)28 August 2001 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) Manresa Spain
C 37 Kārlis Šiliņš 26 – (1997-07-22)22 July 1997 2.10 m (6 ft 11 in) Göttingen Germany
G 44 Toms Leimanis 29 – (1994-08-07)7 August 1994 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) Estudiantes Spain
F 45 Roberts Blūms 18 – (2005-11-02)2 November 2005 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) Saint-Quentin France
PG 47 Artūrs Kurucs 24 – (2000-01-19)19 January 2000 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) Murcia Spain
PG 66 Kristers Zoriks 25 – (1998-05-25)25 May 1998 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) Petkim Spor Turkey
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • Club – describes last
    club before the competition
  • Age – describes age
    on 22 February 2024

Depth chart[edit]

Pos. Starting 5 Bench 1 Bench 2
C Klāvs Čavars Kārlis Šiliņš Krišs Helmanis
PF Andrejs Gražulis Mārcis Šteinbergs Ojārs Siliņš
SF Rodions Kurucs Jānis Timma Artūrs Strautiņš
SG Dairis Bertāns Rihards Lomažs Roberts Blūms
PG Kristers Zoriks Artūrs Kurucs Toms Leimanis

Notable players[edit]

Current notable players from Latvia who have played for the national team:

Current notable players roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Age – Date of birth Height Club Ctr.
SG Artis Ate 34 – (1989-07-29)29 July 1989 1.93 m (6 ft 4 in) Pieno žvaigždės Lithuania
F Dāvis Bertāns 31 – (1992-11-12)12 November 1992 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) Charlotte Hornets United States
F Jānis Bērziņš 30 – (1993-05-04)4 May 1993 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) Kalev/Cramo Estonia
C Kaspars Bērziņš 38 – (1985-08-25)25 August 1985 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in) Real Betis Spain
PG Renārs Birkāns 26 – (1997-06-29)29 June 1997 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) Ventspils Latvia
F/C Artjoms Butjankovs 32 – (1991-08-26)26 August 1991 2.04 m (6 ft 8 in) Sabah Azerbaijan
PF Rolands Freimanis 36 – (1988-01-21)21 January 1988 2.09 m (6 ft 10 in) Gaziantep Turkey
PF Māris Gulbis 38 – (1985-10-04)4 October 1985 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) VEF Rīga Latvia
G/F Mārtiņš Laksa 33 – (1990-06-26)26 June 1990 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) GTK Gliwice Poland
PF Rinalds Mālmanis 27 – (1996-04-12)12 April 1996 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in) Tartu Estonia
C Mārtiņš Meiers 32 – (1991-03-30)30 March 1991 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) Aalst Belgium
F/C Mareks Mejeris 32 – (1991-09-02)2 September 1991 2.07 m (6 ft 9 in) Cluj-Napoca Romania
C Anžejs Pasečņiks 28 – (1995-12-20)20 December 1995 2.16 m (7 ft 1 in) Palencia Spain
F/C Kristaps Porziņģis 28 – (1995-08-02)2 August 1995 2.21 m (7 ft 3 in) Boston Celtics United States
PG Rinalds Sirsniņš 38 – (1985-07-04)4 July 1985 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) Ogre Latvia
G Aigars Šķēle 31 – (1992-12-04)4 December 1992 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) Stal Ostrów Poland
PF Rolands Šmits 28 – (1995-06-25)25 June 1995 2.07 m (6 ft 9 in) Žalgiris Lithuania
G Jānis Strēlnieks 34 – (1989-09-01)1 September 1989 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) Scafati Italy
SF Roberts Stumbris 30 – (1993-07-09)9 July 1993 1.99 m (6 ft 6 in) Den Bosch Netherlands
PG Mārcis Vītols 31 – (1992-05-02)2 May 1992 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) Virtus Lumezzane Italy
PG Artūrs Žagars 23 – (2000-04-21)21 April 2000 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) Wolves Lithuania

Legend
  • Club – describes current club
  • Age – describes age
    on 22 February 2024

Head coach history[edit]

  • Latvia Ādolfs Grasis – (1937)
  • Latvia Valdemārs Baumanis – (1939)
  • Latvia Armands Krauliņš – (1993–1996)
  • Latvia Igors Miglinieks – (1997–1999)
  • Latvia Armands Krauliņš – (2000–2003)
  • Latvia Kārlis Muižnieks – (2004–2007)
  • Lithuania Kęstutis Kemzūra – (2008–2009)
  • Latvia Ainars Bagatskis – (2010–2017)
  • Latvia Arnis Vecvagars – (2017–2019)
  • Latvia Roberts Štelmahers – (2019–2021)
  • Italy Luca Banchi – (2021–present)[34]
  • Notable players[edit]

    Retired players:

    Past rosters[edit]

    1935 EuroBasket: finished 1st Gold among 10 teams

    3Eduards Andersons, 4 Aleksejs Anufrijevs, 5 Mārtiņš Grundmanis, 6 Herberts Gubiņš, 8 Rūdolfs Jurciņš, 9 Jānis Lidmanis, 10 Visvaldis Melderis, 11 Džems Raudziņš (Coach: Valdemārs Baumanis)


    1936 Olympic Games: finished 18th among 21 teams

    1Rūdolfs Jurciņš, 2 Visvaldis Melderis, 3 Eduards Andersons, 4 Džems Raudziņš, 5 Voldemārs Elmūts, 6 Mārtiņš Grundmanis, 7 Maksis Kazaks (Coach: Valdemārs Baumanis)


    1937 EuroBasket: finished 6th among 8 teams

    3Eduards Andersons, 4 Aleksejs Anufrijevs, 5 Mārtiņš Grundmanis, 6 Janis Jansons, 7 Rūdolfs Jurciņš, 8 Andrejs Krisons, 9 Aleksandrs Martinsons, 10 Visvaldis Melderis, 11 Džems Raudziņš, 12 Voldemārs Šmits (Coach: Ādolfs Grasis)


    1939 EuroBasket: finished 2nd Silver among 8 teams

    3Aleksandrs Vanags, 4 Alfrēds Krauklis, 5 Teodors Grinbergs, 6 Maksis Kazaks, 8 Voldemārs Šmits, 9 Jānis Graudiņš, 11 Karlis Arents, 12 Juris Solovjovs, 14 Karlis Satins, 18 Visvaldis Melderis (Coach: Valdemārs Baumanis)


    1993 EuroBasket: finished 9th among 16 teams

    4 Edgars Šneps, 5 Jānis Āzacis, 6 Igors Meļņiks, 7 Kārlis Muižnieks, 8 Ivars Zankovskis, 9 Ainars Bagatskis, 10 Dzintars Jaunzems, 11 Ivars Liepa, 12 Raimonds Miglinieks, 13 Edmunds Valeiko, 14 Andrejs Bondarenko, 15 Aigars Zeidaks (Coach: Armands Krauliņš)


    1997 EuroBasket: finished 16th among 16 teams

    4Uvis Helmanis, 5 Jānis Āzacis, 6 Edmunds Valeiko, 7 Roberts Štelmahers, 8 Kārlis Muižnieks, 9 Edgars Šneps, 10 Raimonds Miglinieks, 11 Ainars Bagatskis, 12 Ivars Liepa, 13 Ralfs Jansons, 14 Andrejs Bondarenko, 15 Igors Meļņiks (Coach: Igors Miglinieks)


    2001 EuroBasket: finished 8th among 16 teams

    4Uvis Helmanis, 5 Aigars Vītols, 6 Kaspars Cipruss, 7 Roberts Štelmahers, 8 Edmunds Valeiko, 9 Māris Ļaksa, 10 Kristaps Valters, 11 Raimonds Miglinieks, 12 Ainars Bagatskis, 13 Raitis Grafs, 14 Kaspars Kambala, 15 Arnis Vecvagars (Coach: Armands Krauliņš)


    2003 EuroBasket: finished 13th among 16 teams

    4Uvis Helmanis, 5 Aigars Vītols, 6 Trojs Ostlers, 7 Roberts Štelmahers, 8 Armands Šķēle, 9 Edgars Šneps, 10 Kristaps Valters, 11 Māris Ļaksa, 12 Ainars Bagatskis, 13 Raitis Grafs, 14 Kaspars Kambala, 15 Arnis Vecvagars (Coach: Armands Krauliņš)


    2005 EuroBasket: finished 14th among 16 teams

    4Uvis Helmanis, 5 Aigars Vītols, 6 Armands Šķēle, 7 Roberts Štelmahers, 8 Jānis Blūms, 9 Sandis Valters, 10 Kristaps Valters, 11 Ivars Timermanis, 12 Mārtiņš Skirmants, 13 Raitis Grafs, 14 Kaspars Cipruss, 15 Kristaps Janičenoks (Coach: Kārlis Muižnieks)


    2007 EuroBasket: finished 13th among 16 teams

    4Uvis Helmanis, 5 Aigars Vītols, 6 Armands Šķēle, 7 Jānis Blūms, 8 Raimonds Vaikulis, 9 Gatis Jahovičs, 10 Sandis Valters, 11 Pāvels Veselovs, 12 Kaspars Cipruss, 13 Raitis Grafs, 14 Kristaps Janičenoks, 15 Andris Biedriņš (Coach: Kārlis Muižnieks)


    2009 EuroBasket: finished 13th among 16 teams

    4Uvis Helmanis, 5 Aigars Vītols, 6 Armands Šķēle, 7 Jānis Blūms, 8 Ernests Kalve, 9 Kristaps Valters, 10 Gatis Jahovičs, 11 Kaspars Kambala, 12 Rolands Freimanis, 13 Artūrs Štālbergs, 14 Kristaps Janičenoks, 15 Andris Biedriņš (Coach: Kęstutis Kemzūra)


    2011 EuroBasket: finished 21st among 24 teams

    4Mārtiņš Meiers, 5 Dairis Bertāns, 6 Rolands Freimanis, 7 Jānis Blūms, 8 Mareks Jurevičus, 9 Edgars Jeromanovs, 10 Rihards Kuksiks, 11 Mareks Mejeris, 12 Dāvis Bertāns, 13 Jānis Strēlnieks, 14 Artūrs Bērziņš, 15 Andrejs Šeļakovs (Coach: Ainars Bagatskis)


    2013 EuroBasket: finished 11th among 24 teams

    4Mārtiņš Meiers, 5 Mareks Mejeris, 6 Rolands Freimanis, 7 Jānis Blūms, 8 Jānis Bērziņš, 9 Dairis Bertāns, 10 Rihards Kuksiks, 11 Armands Šķēle, 12 Kristaps Janičenoks, 13 Jānis Strēlnieks, 14 Kaspars Bērziņš, 15 Andrejs Šeļakovs (Coach: Ainars Bagatskis)


    2015 EuroBasket: finished 8th among 24 teams

    5Mareks Mejeris, 6 Rolands Freimanis, 7 Jānis Blūms (C), 9 Dairis Bertāns, 10 Jānis Timma, 12 Kristaps Janičenoks, 13 Jānis Strēlnieks, 14 Kaspars Bērziņš, 19 Kaspars Vecvagars, 23 Haralds Kārlis, 31 Žanis Peiners, 33 Mārtiņš Meiers (Coach: Ainars Bagatskis)


    2017 EuroBasket: finished 5th among 24 teams

    6Kristaps Porziņģis, 7 Jānis Blūms (C), 8 Dāvis Bertāns, 9 Dairis Bertāns, 10 Jānis Timma, 11 Rolands Šmits, 12 Kristaps Janičenoks,
    13Jānis Strēlnieks, 21 Aigars Šķēle, 24 Andrejs Gražulis, 31 Žanis Peiners, 33 Mārtiņš Meiers (Coach: Ainars Bagatskis)


    2023 FIBA World Cup: finished 5th among 32 teams

    00Rodions Kurucs, 8 Dāvis Bertāns, 9 Dairis Bertāns (C), 11 Rolands Šmits, 12 Artūrs Strautiņš, 18 Klāvs Čavars, 21 Aigars Šķēle,
    24Andrejs Gražulis, 32 Anžejs Pasečņiks, 47 Artūrs Kurucs, 55 Artūrs Žagars, 66 Kristers Zoriks (Coach: Luca Banchi)

    Record against other teams[edit]

    *Friendly matches not counted

    See also[edit]

    Notes[edit]

    1. ^ Includes a 2–0 forfeit win at EuroBasket 1937

    References[edit]

    1. ^ "FIBA Ranking Presented by Nike". FIBA. 1 March 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
  • ^ Federation Focus: Latvia (in English)
  • ^ Latvia 108–7 Finland (Game boxscore) (in English)
  • ^ Federation Focus: Latvia (in English)
  • ^ Federation Focus: Latvia (in English)
  • ^ Federation Focus: Latvia (in English)
  • ^ Stanislovas Stonkus『Krepšinio kelias į Lietuvą』(page: 17)
  • ^ 1937-ieji ir 1939-ieji – pirmieji Lietuvos krepšinio šlovės metai Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine (in Lithuanian)
  • ^ Federation Focus: Latvia (in English)
  • ^ Federation Focus: Latvia (in English)
  • ^ a b "In the beginning ... EuroBasket 1935 in Geneva". FIBA. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  • ^ "Sapnu komanda 1935". IMDb. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  • ^ 1936 Latvia Men's Olympic Basketball (in English)
  • ^ "Beijing 2008 basketball women Results – Olympic basketball". Olympics.com. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  • ^ Pranas Lubinas – taurusis tarpukario krepšinio milžinas (in Lithuanian)
  • ^ Telecast『Mūsų krepšinis』(Season: 1; Episode: 1; Quotation begins at 10:20)
  • ^ "Krepšinis". Lietuvos sporto enciklopedija. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  • ^ Federation Focus: Latvia (in English)
  • ^ Federation Focus: Latvia (in English)
  • ^ "Latvia at the FIBA EuroBasket 2017 – FIBA.basketball". FIBA.com. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
  • ^ "Štelmahers is the new head coach of Latvian national men's basketball team". Public Broadcasting of Latvia. 1 August 2019. Retrieved 1 August 2019.
  • ^ "Latvia thump Greece, book first World Cup ticket". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  • ^ "Qualified Team Focus - Latvia: Porzingis and co. ready to storm the World Cup for first time". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  • ^ "Kristaps Porzingis to miss FIBA World Cup". BasketNews.com. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  • ^ Schachner, Miles (27 August 2023). "Latvia eliminates France from World Cup in stunning upset". New York Post. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  • ^ a b "Latvia at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  • ^ "The reaction: 'The biggest win in Latvian basketball history since 1935'". FIBA. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  • ^ "Latvia stun another Goliath, beat reigning champs Spain". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  • ^ "Latvia crushes Brazil, goes to quarterfinals in FIBA World Cup 2023". BasketNews.com. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  • ^ "Wagner brothers send Germany to Semis, Bertans misses a date with history". Fiba.basketball. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  • ^ "Latvia cruise to win over Lithuania in battle for fifth". Fiba.basketball. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
  • ^ "Vīriešu valstsvienība: Eiropas čempionāta kvalifikācijas pirmajām spēlēm reģistrēti 24 spēlētāji". basket.lv. 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  • ^ "Latvia during the EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers in February 2024". Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  • ^ "Italy's Luca Banchi to take charge of Latvia's men's basketball team". Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  • External links[edit]


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