Kristaps Walters | Photo: “Coast match”
In a thrilling showdown in Latvia’s second-tier National Basketball League (NBL), “Sigulda/Elvi” clashed with “OC Limbaži” yesterday. The game ended with a decisive 109:92 victory for Limbaži, but the spotlight was on Sigulda’s captain, Kristaps Valters, who made a rare appearance as a playing coach.
Valters, a former Latvian national team star, took to the court as part of the starting lineup, logging 23 minutes and 39 seconds of playtime. During his time on the floor, he contributed 11 points, shooting 2/4 from two-point range and 2/6 from beyond the arc, along with a perfect free throw. His stat line also included three rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two fouls. Despite his efforts, his efficiency rating stood at 12, with a +/- of -13.
While Valters ranked as the third-highest scorer for Sigulda,Artūrs guļans led the charge with an impressive 31 points,followed by Kristaps Vanags,who added 23 points to the tally. on the opposing side, Oto Grīnbergs was instrumental in Limbaži’s victory, posting a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds.Roberts dembskis, a former “Rīgas Zeļļu” player, also made a significant impact with 19 points and seven rebounds.
At 43 years old, Valters has been at the helm of “Sigulda/Elvi” as December. His last professional appearance dates back to the 2016/2017 season, when he played two games for “Valmiera/ORDO” in the Latvian Basketball League (LBL). His return to the court as both coach and player marks a unique chapter in his storied career.
Sence taking over as head coach, Valters has guided Sigulda to two wins in seven games.the team currently sits ninth in the NBL Eastern Division,with a season record of 4-11.
The playing coach? K. Walters appeared in the NBL team submission
