Latvia ready to tackle European Qualifiers with Bertans brothers and Timma
RIGA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Latvia are set to tackle the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers with most of their star power available.
RIGA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Latvia are set to tackle the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup European Qualifiers with most of their star power available.
San Antonio Spurs forward Davis Bertans headlines the list of returning big-name talent for the Arnis Vecvagars-coached Baltic side, who will be gearing up for games against Sweden and Ukraine.
Janis Timma, Janis Strelnieks and Dairis Bertans are also included on the 19-man preliminary squad announced by the Latvian Basketball Federation on Friday.
| Latvia 19-player squad for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers | |||
| Artis Ate | Arturs Ausejs | Dairis Bertans | Davis Bertans |
| Janis Blums | Rolands Freimanis | Andrejs Grazulis | Davis Lejasmeiers |
| Rihards Lomazs | Martins Meiers | Mareks Mejeris | Anzejs Pasecniks |
| Zanis Peiners | Ojars Silins | Aigars Skele | Rolands Smits |
| Janis Strelnieks | Janis Timma | Arturs Zagars | |
After being the main torch-bearers for Latvia in the November and February windows, the trio of Zanis Peiners, Anzejs Pasecniks and team captain Janis Blums are expected to continue playing major roles.
One name missing from Latvia's intriguing and talent-packed squad is New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis, who is still sidelined after suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Vasaras @FIBAWC spēlēm reģistrēti 19 spēlētāji: sarakstā arī brāļi Bertāni, Timma un Strēlnieks. Pirmo reizi iekļauti Ate un Žagars #TrīsZvaigznes pic.twitter.com/QVELmK6rQC
— Basket.lv (@basketbols) May 25, 2018
"Until June 11, we are permitted to register 24 players. For the time being, there are five open spots. I will follow the decisive games of the season and evaluate the competition in certain positions," coach Vecvagars left the door open for other candidates.
Despite the possibility of including more players on the squad, the playcaller expects to trim the list to 14-15 candidates before the start of the main training camp.
"For the players interested in this, we will provide the opportunity to work individually until mid-June to maintain their physical condition. The actual training camp will begin on June 18, when FIBA rules, including player insurance, enters into force," Vecvagars explained.
Before the official contests of the June/July window, Latvia will play a test game against Belarus behind closed doors on June 21 before facing a full-strength Russia team in an exhibition game in Arena Riga on June 25.
Currently third in Group B with a 2-2 mark, the Baltic side will play both of their remaining games on the road, taking on Sweden on June 28 in Stockholm before flying to face Ukraine in Kiev on July 1.
FIBA