The 19th edition of the FIBA Men’s world cup will feature three countries that have qualified to compete at the highest level of international Basketball for the first time in their history. Among these nations is Latvia. The Latvian team has been a competitive Basketball country for decades, but this past decade has seen Latvia grow into a strong competitor, making them a tough team to beat at EuroBasket. This article covers Latvia and the team squad for the upcoming FIBA Men’s World Cup.
About Team Latvia
In its 91-year history, this will be the first time that the Latvian national Basketball team has earned the eligibility to take part in this year’s FIBA world cup. Composed of elite-level talent, Latvia managed a strong showing at FIBA world cup European qualifiers by winning nine of their ten games and earning their spot.
Being ranked outside of the top 30, many were not too hopeful about Latvia’s chances, but a well-structured, talented team and excellent coaching earned them their spot. After securing the first position in Group I of the second round of European qualifiers, Latvia entered the top 30 and is now ranked 29th on the FIBA world rankings.
Latvia’s Squad for the World Cup
As we look ahead to the 2023 Men's FIBA World Cup, it is time to delve into the team's extended squad:
| Player Name | Position | Date of Birth |
| Richards Lomas | Shooting guard | April 13, 1996 (27 years old) |
| Aigars Skele | Shooting guard/Point guard | December 4, 1992 (30 years old) |
| Andrejs Graulis | Power forward | July 21, 1993 (30 years old) |
| Matins Laksa | Shooting guard | June 26, 1990 (33 years old) |
| Marcis Steinsbergs | Small forward | August 28, 2001 (21 years old) |
| Anzejs Pasecniks | Center | December 20, 1995 (27 years old) |
| Karlis Silins,s | Small forward/Power forward | July 22, 1997 (26 years old) |
| Toms Leimanis | Point guard | August 7, 1994 (28 years old) |
| Arturs Kurucs | Point guard | January 19, 2000 (23 years old) |
| Roberts Berzins | Shooting guard | January 10, 2001 (22 years old) |
| Arturs Zagars | Point guard/Shooting guard | April 21, 2000 (23 years old) |
| Kristers Zoriks | Point guard/Shooting guard | May 25, 1998 (25 years old) |
| Janis Timma | Small forward | July 2, 1992 (31 years old) |
| Rodions Kurucs | Small forward | February 5, 1998 (25 years old) |
| Mareks Mejeris | Small forward/Power forward | September 2, 1991 (31 years old) |
| Kristaps Porzingis | Center | August 2, 1995 (27 years old) |
| Davis Bertans | Power forward | November 12, 1992 (30 years old) |
| Dairis Bertans | Shooting guard | September 9, 1989 (33 years old) |
| Rolands Smits | Power forward | June 25, 1995 (28 years old) |
| Arturs Strautins | Guard/Forward (swingman) | October 23, 1998 (24 years old) |
| Janis Strelnieks | Shooting guard/Point guard | September 1, 1989 (33 years old) |
| Artis Ate | Shooting guard, Small forward (swingman) | July 29, 1989 (33 years old) |
| Janis Berzins | Small forward | May 4, 1998 (30 years old) |
| Klavs Cavars | Center | February 11, 1996 (27 years old) |
Firstly, let us examine the squad that will represent Latvia in this prestigious tournament. Led by head coach Luca Banchi, Team Latvia boasts a talented group of players who are ready to put on a great show on the world stage.
Let us start with the most recognizable face from the Squad, Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis is a highly skilled defender, rebounder, and scorer who can play as a Power forward and a Center on any given night. Porzingis is versatile in his ability to score inside and outside while also being an excellent shot blocker.
Davis and Dairis Bertans are the talented brother duos who are experts in accurate shooting and scoring. Davis is the 6 '11 power forward who is well known for being an effective rebounder, rim protector, and accurate shooter with a career average of 42% field goal efficiency.
Dairis on the other hand is a Point guard who can score from anywhere on the court with expert shooting skills. He is also a slick perimeter defender who uses his long arms to score steals and create turnovers. Dairis is a fast and agile veteran of the game.
Janis Timme brings experience to Team Latvia’s Backcourt and perimeter defense. As a seasoned Power forward with impressive playing ability and playmaking vision, Time will be responsible for paying out the coach’s plan with the expectation of productive on-court results.
Arturs Zagars is a 23-year-old Point guard with praiseworthy abilities and immense potential. In his recent season in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LBL), Arturs averaged 15.4 points, three rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Such performances showed exceptional ball-handling skills and confidence that earned him his spot on the national side. Without a doubt, Arturs is the future of Latvian Basketball
As we eagerly anticipate the 2023 Men's FIBA World Cup, it is clear that Team Latvia is well-equipped with talent and the potential to make waves on this global stage. With skilled players like Porzingis leading from the front alongside exciting talents such as Zagars emerging onto basketball's grandest platform – there is much excitement surrounding what lies ahead for Latvian basketball enthusiasts around the world.
FAQs
A. Marcis Steinbergs. Born on August 28, 2001, Marcis is the youngest member of the squad.
A. Latvia has the 19th spot on the FIBA world rankings.
A. Latvia is a one-time EuroBasket champion, having won the title in 1935. They were the runner-ups in the 1939 edition
