The Latvian men’s basketball team will play a test match with the Polish national team in the debut of head coach Luka Banki in Gliwice on Friday.
The first training camp of the Latvian men’s national team is taking place in Riga, to which the Banks had initially invited 16 players. Experienced Dairis Bertāns, players who have played only a few games in the national team, as well as potential debutants are in the line.
“The players have shown a willingness to take part in this camp. It’s nice to work with a team with a wide range of players – from young basketball players to experienced ones like Bertan. Of course we need time to understand each other. Feelings are good and I can’t expect how we will look in the game, “stressed Banks.
He also treats those players who have chosen not to train with the national team with understanding.
“Basketball players need to be given time after the long seasons they have spent abroad. This camp is an opportunity for many to regain their athletic form, but for me – to get information about them,” said Banks.
The Latvian national team has not set a specific goal for tomorrow’s game, but the national team will try to show the team’s game.
“Let’s play with a team that has a strong core. Poland has had good success in recent years and the team has a good coach. Of course, the opponents will be better prepared, because they have already played the test games while we are together for a few days,” said Banks.
Bertāns will be the captain of the national team in the upcoming match on Friday.
“One of the reasons why Dairis is here is to inspire other players. It is a great opportunity for national team debuts if there is a player on the team who shares a locker room with them, participates in training, goes to lunch,” Banks said.
The team of national team coaches has a rough idea of what the starting five of the Latvian national team will look like in Friday’s match.
“Kristers Zoriks will be the leader of the main line-up, the attacking defender will be Dairis Bertāns, the forward will be Artūrs Strautiņš, the forward will be Rinalds Mālmanis, and the center player will be Klāvs Čavars. .
The national team’s head coach has so far declined to predict whether National Basketball Association (NBA) players will be available at the August games.
“In August, I want to see the best players available for the national team. Everyone wants to be part of the national team and be part of the program. But maybe not everyone will be able to help, because basketball players play in different championships and have different conditions for their national team. , “contractual obligations,” concluded Banks.
Experienced players such as Jānis Blūms, Žanis Peiners, who has not played this season, and Kaspars Bērziņš have also agreed to participate in the work of the Latvian national team.
“I have spoken to Bloom and I understand that he has a very important moment in his career and later in life. He will probably start participating in classes with the national team in the near future. Jean is still in the rehabilitation period, but he also wants to participate in the national team. I really want him to These players can give a lot to young basketball players.I have chosen a wide range of basketball players who are in the national team’s horizons, including both experienced players and the younger generation.Especially because the team has summer activities that can participate “almost everyone, and winter activities, many of which will not be available. All players should feel that they are an important part of the national team,” said Banks.
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