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Forward of the Latvian men’s basketball team Kristaps Dear debuted in the national team waited all his life and felt honored for the opportunity won, in a conversation with the agency LETA admitted the basketball player.
It has already been reported that Latvia started the “Baltic Way” tournament on Saturday with a loss of 59:82 for Lithuania. Eight basketball players, including Dear, made their debut in the Latvian national team at once.
“I have been waiting for 29 years in the debut team, it can be said that all my life. I have always been a very big supporter of the Latvian national team, and maybe there was a moment in my life when I don’t think this moment will come anymore, ”said Dear, who was close to his debut in the national team in February. “I didn’t have to look for motivation, it’s a great opportunity. It is a great honor for a basketball player every time he can represent a national team. ”
The Latvian national team is playing in this line-up for the first time and the lack of play was sometimes visible on the field.
“It must be understood that as a team we have only had six contact and basketball trainings together. One has to train with a basketball, throw throws and run, but something else is completely different when it comes to contact. It is a completely different load and a different level of fatigue. Twice the defense, the legs become weaker and the attack is quite difficult. I think that to some extent today. There was a lack of real gaming practice in the training process, ”explained Dear.
On the other hand, in tactical terms, in his opinion, the team has fulfilled most of the tasks given by the coach.
“Another question is – what was the result of this execution? At some point, there may have been a lack of quality and speed. It is also necessary to be aware that the opponent was strong enough and what things were not allowed to be accomplished, ”noted Dear.
Over the years and experience, the new line-up has pleasantly surprised with its energy.
“With willpower, fighting spirit and energy, it is possible to win good and strong teams. But we also have to be a little lucky and have to make throws, that’s exactly what we lacked today, “concluded the basketball player.
At the end of the tournament on Sunday, Latvia will compete with its host Estonia. The match “Saku Suurhall” will start at 7.30 pm.
“Estonians look well done and in good shape. On Friday, they “ate” the leeks with energy and fighting spirit and surprised. It will not be easy on Sunday, and there will be many more spectators. It would be great to “bite” the Estonians and not let them get the Baltic Cup, “said Dear.
The core of Saturday’s opponent’s Lithuanian national team is basketball players from ULEB tournament teams, but Dear dear, he is not afraid of the strong line-up.
“Over the last three years, since we regularly win strong teams with” Ogri “, respect for opponents has disappeared.
They are the same people. The fact that they play strong teams doesn’t seem so important to me anymore. The difference in the square is not as big as in the contracts, ”Darangais emphasized.
Since the beginning of June, members and candidates of the Latvian men’s national team have been training at the Elektrum Olympic Center in preparation for the next season. The choice of line-up for the Tallinn tournament was influenced by the players’ commitment to clubs, their health and their individual preparation plans.
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