In a monumental moment for Latvia’s basketball history, the Latvia’s Basketbola Savieniba (LBS) is gearing up for it’s first-ever appearance at the prestigious FIBA Basketball World Cup. With just a month to go before the showdown, the squad has trimmed down its preliminary roster to 16 players, and boy, do they have some stars in their lineup!
Leading the charge is none other than the towering NBA stars Kristaps Porzingis, whose exceptional performance during the World Cup European Qualifiers catapulted Latvia to secure a coveted spot in the tournament. Averaging 25.5 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game, he single-handedly guided Latvia to secure their coveted spot in the tournament.
But Porzingis isn’t the only NBA sensation representing Latvia. Accompanying him is the dynamic forward Davis Bertans, who also played a pivotal role in the European Qualifiers. His skills were on full display during the European Qualifiers, where he delivered a scintillating average of 12.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, reaffirming Latvia’s strength in the global arena.
Bertans family boasts double representation, with Davis’ brother, Dairis Bertans, also securing a spot on the preliminary roster. Dairis was one of the ironmen during the World Cup Qualifiers, displaying dedication to his national team and contributing an impressive 9.8 points per game.
Latvia’s journey through the Qualifiers may have been historic, with a remarkable winning streak of 11 consecutive games, but the real test lies ahead at the FIBA World Cup. Their deadly accuracy from beyond the arc was a sight to behold, making an astonishing 134 three-pointers at an outstanding conversion rate of 37.5 percent, second only to the best in Europe.
While some key players like Janis Strelnieks and Rihards Lomazs are battling injuries, Latvia remains undeterred in its quest for glory. With an extensive preparation games schedule underway, the team is honing their skills and fine-tuning their strategies to compete at their very best.
Latvia’s basketball fervor will soon hit a crescendo as they step foot in Jakarta, Indonesia. Group H competition will see them clash with Canada, Lebanon, and France. Survivors from this group will face the formidable champions Spain, along with Brazil, Iran, and Cote d’Ivoire, a team that demonstrated its prowess in the last FIBA AfroBasket Final.
With the force that is Porzingis leading the charge, Latvia’s confidence soars high. The team is primed to make an indelible mark, leaving basketball fans around the globe on the edge of their seats.
Don’t miss a single moment as Latvia competes against the world’s best. Stay tuned for exclusive coverage of the action-packed FIBA Basketball World Cup!
