Riga, October 22, LETA. The center player Anžejs Pasečņiks, who made his debut in the National Basketball Association (NBA) last season, is included in the list of candidates for the Latvian men’s national team for the qualifying games of the 2022 European Championship at the end of November.
The list of candidates includes four Latvian teams, teams from Spain, Italy, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Kazakhstan and Belarus, as well as the NBA. Three players have played more than 100 games in the national team (Jānis Blūms 170, Kaspars Bērziņš 120, Mārtiņš Meiers 107), but there is only one potential debutant (Kristers Zoriks).
The rules of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) stipulate that the extended application can be adjusted until November 15, therefore the necessary preparations are being continued, identifying the opportunities for ULEB Euroleague club players to join the national team.
Latvian men’s national team coordinator Emīls Toms emphasizes that the pandemic has further complicated any planning and communication processes.
“These circumstances, together with previous negative experiences, make us realistic and prepare to fight without the help of Euroleague players. However, invitations will be sent to both 24 named and Euroleague club players. In case of pleasant surprises, we will correct the application,” the Latvian Basketball Union (LBS) quoted Tom.
NBA players are available during this time, but the chances of joining the national team are affected by various side circumstances. Kristaps Porziņģis is rehabilitating after an injury, Dāvis Bertāns is going to sign a new contract, Rodions Kurucs is staying in the USA. On Monday, the leaders of LBS will meet with Anžeja Pasečnik, who has previously expressed a wish to help.
“Communication with the players continues to develop optimal logistics. Players from foreign clubs will immediately go to Sarajevo without returning to Riga to reduce the risks associated with travel and different restrictions in different countries. The Latvian national team is scheduled to arrive in Sarajevo on November 23,” tells Tom.
Meanwhile, the head coach of the Latvian men’s national team Roberts Štelmahers emphasizes that the best news is that many basketball players have started the season well in their clubs.
“However, at the moment I do not want to talk about the optimal line-up or tactical options. Too much is unknown: will everyone be healthy or will everyone be able to go to Sarajevo? The same uncertainty is about the composition of our opponents,” explains Sttelmaher.
He notes that all national team coaches are now working in a unique situation, where in some trainings it is necessary to find out about the players’ sports form and compatibility, get to know newcomers and understand how to use it better.
“Compared to the first round of the games, there is more information – both after the games in February and the trainings in the summer. I hope that the side conditions will not affect the choice of the final. We will prepare to show good basketball in Sarajevo and improve the table,” says Steltmahers.
It is expected that 14 players will go to the race in Sarajevo.
The Latvian team, which started the tournament with two losses, will play with the Greek national team on November 27, and with the team of Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 29. The Bulgarian national team also plays in Group H. The tournament is expected to end in February, when another race will take place. The three best teams will qualify for the final tournament.
Extended list of candidates for the Latvian men’s basketball team for the European Championship qualification games:
Artis Ate, Kristers Zoriks, Mārcis Vītols, Aigars Šķēle (all – “VEF Rīga”), Artūrs Žagars (Badalona “Joventut”, Spain), Edmunds Elksnis (“Valmiera Glass” / “Vidzeme University College”) Ingus Jakovičs, Artūrs Strautiņš ( both – Varese “Obenjobmetis”, Italy), Kaspars Vecvagars (Leidas “ICG Forca”, Spain), Jānis Blūms (Reggio di Emilija “UnaHotels”), Artūrs Ausējs, Māris Gulbis (both – “Ventspils”), Jānis Kaufmanis (Tallinn “Kalev” / “Cramo”, Estonia), Mārtiņš Laksa (Lublin “Start”, Poland), Jānis Bērziņš (Zelona Gura “Stelmet Enea”, Poland), Ojārs Siliņš, Mārtiņš Meiers (“Astana”, Kazakhstan), Artjoms Butjankovs (“Samara”, Russia), Mareks Mejeris (Perm “Parma”, Russia), Andrejs Gražulis (Trieste “Allianz”, Italy), Marcis Steinbergs (Herbalife “, Gran Canaria, Spain), Kaspars Bērziņš (” Ogre “), Klavs Chavar (Minsk “Cmoki”, Belarus), Angie Paschnik (Washington “Wizards”, NBA).
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