News
Phoenix Suns head coaching candidate to join Latvian national team staff

2025-05-29

The Latvian national basketball team will welcome a new addition to its coaching staff for the upcoming 2025 EuroBasket, which will be hosted in front of home fans in Riga. Head coach Luca Banchi announced that Jordan Ott, currently an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers, will join Latvia's coaching team for the tournament.
Sito Alonso to become Latvia's new head coach after EuroBasket 2025

2025-04-17

The Latvian Basketball Federation has officially announced the next head coach of the Latvian men's national team. Spanish specialist Sito Alonso will succeed Luca Banchi and officially take over after FIBA EuroBasket 2025. Latvia is one of the four host nations for the upcoming tournament, with the final stage set to be played in Riga, the country's capital.
Kristaps Porzingis reportedly to play for Latvia in EuroBasket 2025

2025-04-15

Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis has confirmed he's ready to play for the Latvian national team at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, barring any health issues. Kristians Dilans of Sportacentrs reported the news, which was first broken by Janis Celmins. EuroBasket 2025 tips off on August 27, with Latvia hosting the group and final stage. They'll face Turkiye, Estonia, Serbia, Czechia, and Portugal.
Riga EuroBasket CEO steps down following arrest for DUI

2025-02-13

Former Latvian basketball player and executive director of the 2025 EuroBasket Kristaps Janicenoks was arrested for being drunk and causing an accident, Latvian news agency LETA reports. Janicenoks, 41, crashed his car into another parked vehicle, but no one was injured in the incident.
Luca Banchi opens up on Bologna exit, Latvia farewell, Porzingis' EuroBasket chances

2025-02-06

Luca Banchi's coaching path has been anything but predictable in the 2024-25 season. In early December, he stepped down from Virtus Bologna, a team he had guided to a strong campaign and the EuroLeague Play-in showdown the previous year.
Luca Banchi wants changes in Olympics: 'Europe suffered the most'

2024-07-07

The Latvian national team handily lost against Brazil in front of their ever-cheering crowd of home fans in Riga, also losing the opportunity to play in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games for the first time in almost nine decades.
Brazil will play in Paris Olympics after beating Latvia in OQT final

2024-07-07

Brazil became the first country to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics through the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The Brazilians beat the host nation Latvia 94-69 (34-11, 15-22, 23-13, 22-23) in the final and clinched the spot in the Olympics. Brazil will make its 16th appearance in the Olympic basketball tournament. The last time Brazil played in the Olympics was in 2016.
News
Phoenix Suns head coaching candidate to join Latvian national team staff

2025-05-29

The Latvian national basketball team will welcome a new addition to its coaching staff for the upcoming 2025 EuroBasket, which will be hosted in front of home fans in Riga. Head coach Luca Banchi announced that Jordan Ott, currently an assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers, will join Latvia's coaching team for the tournament.
Sito Alonso to become Latvia's new head coach after EuroBasket 2025

2025-04-17

The Latvian Basketball Federation has officially announced the next head coach of the Latvian men's national team. Spanish specialist Sito Alonso will succeed Luca Banchi and officially take over after FIBA EuroBasket 2025. Latvia is one of the four host nations for the upcoming tournament, with the final stage set to be played in Riga, the country's capital.
Kristaps Porzingis reportedly to play for Latvia in EuroBasket 2025

2025-04-15

Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis has confirmed he's ready to play for the Latvian national team at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, barring any health issues. Kristians Dilans of Sportacentrs reported the news, which was first broken by Janis Celmins. EuroBasket 2025 tips off on August 27, with Latvia hosting the group and final stage. They'll face Turkiye, Estonia, Serbia, Czechia, and Portugal.
Riga EuroBasket CEO steps down following arrest for DUI

2025-02-13

Former Latvian basketball player and executive director of the 2025 EuroBasket Kristaps Janicenoks was arrested for being drunk and causing an accident, Latvian news agency LETA reports. Janicenoks, 41, crashed his car into another parked vehicle, but no one was injured in the incident.
Luca Banchi opens up on Bologna exit, Latvia farewell, Porzingis' EuroBasket chances

2025-02-06

Luca Banchi's coaching path has been anything but predictable in the 2024-25 season. In early December, he stepped down from Virtus Bologna, a team he had guided to a strong campaign and the EuroLeague Play-in showdown the previous year.
Luca Banchi wants changes in Olympics: 'Europe suffered the most'

2024-07-07

The Latvian national team handily lost against Brazil in front of their ever-cheering crowd of home fans in Riga, also losing the opportunity to play in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games for the first time in almost nine decades.
Brazil will play in Paris Olympics after beating Latvia in OQT final

2024-07-07

Brazil became the first country to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics through the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The Brazilians beat the host nation Latvia 94-69 (34-11, 15-22, 23-13, 22-23) in the final and clinched the spot in the Olympics. Brazil will make its 16th appearance in the Olympic basketball tournament. The last time Brazil played in the Olympics was in 2016.
Davis Bertans reacts to being waived by Hornets, talks OQT final

2024-07-06

With minutes remaining in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament game between Latvia and Cameroon, news came out about Latvia's Davis Bertans getting waived by the Charlotte Hornets. The player offered his reaction to the news.
Luca Banchi praises Gilas Pilipinas' defensive and offensive mastery

2024-07-03

Gilas Pilipinas claimed their first win against a European team in an official FIBA competition since 1960, defeating host Latvia 89-80 in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga. This victory made Latvia's head coach, Luca Banchi, praise the Philippines national team, especially their defensive system and the uncommon triangle offense these times.
Gilas Pilipinas stuns Latvia in FIBA OQT, Justin Brownlee stars

2024-07-03

Gilas Pilipinas had a memorable night at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia. Despite missing Jordan Clarkson, the Philippines pulled off an 89-80 upset win against the host Latvia on Wednesday. They are now set to face Georgia in their final group-stage game on Thursday.
Home advantage or curse? OQT hosts face alarming trend

2024-07-01

The 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQT) are just around the corner, and the history of host nations suggests caution for the organizers. Just to start, none of the OQT hosts from the last Olympic cycle made it to the Tokyo Olympics.
Kristaps Porzingis officially out for Latvia's Olympic campaign

2024-06-25

Kristaps Porzingis plans to undergo surgery on his left leg, aiming to return to the Boston Celtics next season. However, the recovery time will prevent him from participating with Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga and the potentially 2024 Summer Olympics.
Kristaps Porzingis to undergo surgery, will be out for months

2024-06-18

Becoming an NBA champion didn't come without sacrifices for Kristaps Porzingis. The Boston Celtics center revealed to Tim Bontemps from ESPN that he returned to the court for Game 5 of the NBA Finals, playing on the rare left leg injury he suffered in Game 2. Bontemps reports that Porzingis will undergo surgery and is going to have a few months of recovery process.
Latvia announces extended roster for Olympic Qualifying tournament

2024-06-03

Latvia announced its roster for the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis headlines the 24-man roster, which also includes players like Davis Bertans, Rodions Kurucs, Rolands Smits, Arturs Zagars, and others. Latvia's national team training camp will start on June 17 and will include 15-16 players from the list.
Luca Banchi reveals hilarious Porzingis story, his Top 5 players

2024-04-12

Zalgiris Kaunas head coach Andrea Trinchieri switched his profession a little bit and interviewed Virtus Segafredo Bologna tactician Luca Banchi. Banchi openly talked about various topics, including his Top 5 players, painful defeats, and experience with the Latvian national team. Banchi revealed that the first time he met Kristaps Porzingis, the Latvian star didn't recognize him. 
FIBA Ranking: Serbia, Latvia make jump

2024-03-01

Serbia and Latvia are the two headline risers in the FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike, as both made jumps within the Top 10. The rankings were updated after the first window of the 2025 Continental Cup Qualifiers for Asia Cup, Afrobasket, AmeriCup, and EuroBasket.
Arturs Zagars opens up on his injury: 'It was like somebody shot my leg'

2024-02-04

After a stunning performance in the FIBA World Cup 2023, Latvian sensation Arturs Zagars faced a setback in his career, tearing one of the ligaments in his knee during a Lithuanian Basketball League game on October 14. Following the injury, the BC Wolves Vilnius guard returned from loan to Istanbul and promptly underwent surgery with the Fenerbahce Beko medical staff.
Four countries emerge as favorites to host 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifiers

2023-11-22

Spain, Latvia, Greece, and Puerto Rico are emerging as the top contenders to host the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments leading to the Olympic Games in Paris, sources tell BasketNews.
World Cup gamble propelled Arturs Zagars' value almost five times

2023-09-24

"Let's bet on the World Cup," Arturs Zagars decided before the Latvia national team's trip to the World Cup. There was some interest there and here, as well as a couple of offers from Germany and Poland, but none special enough to convince a young Latvian point guard to commit his future to any of the suitors.
Luca Banchi named Best Coach of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

2023-09-10

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Best Coach honors went to Latvia national team head coach Luca Banchi. The Italian tactician is not only the author of Latvia's run for the 5th place in their first-ever World Cup but he's also led the team to a fantastic 21-3 record ever since he took over before the World Cup Pre-Qualifiers.
World Cup standout Arturs Zagars is looking for a job, whether it's EuroLeague or NBA

2023-09-09

A Filipino family with two kids joyfully chanted, "Latvia! Latvia!" after Latvia secured a convincing victory over Lithuania to clinch fifth place in the World Cup. This heartwarming moment beautifully illustrated how Latvia's impressive performance in this World Cup had gained global recognition. Latvia managed to reach the Top 5 in their first-ever FIBA World Cup.
Zagars' record-breaking assist tally caps Latvia's historic World Cup finish

2023-09-09

Entering the court of the Mall of Asia arena to play the game that would decide which team would clinch 5th place in the 2023 World Cup, Latvia and Lithuania looked like two teams with different levels of motivation. 
Lithuania demolish Slovenia, will face Latvia in 5th-place game

2023-09-07

Two FIBA World Cup classification games were held on Thursday. Lithuania were no match for Luka Doncic's Slovenia (100-84). Just 24 hours after a heated quarterfinal against Canada, which has seen plenty of emotions and Doncic's ejection, Slovenia gave their opponents a run for their money only in the first half. 
Dennis Schroder reacts to worst game in his career, praises Arturs Zagars

2023-09-06

Dennis Schroder experienced a forgettable night in the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup 2023, but his 4-of-26 shooting performance didn't prevent Germany from securing an 81-79 victory over Latvia, propelling them into the semifinals. "I probably had the worst game of my career. But we still found the way to win the game," Schroder admitted after the win.
Franz Wagner returns, leads Germany past Latvia to World Cup semifinal

2023-09-06

Franz Wagner made his return and helped Germany to stay perfect in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 after a big 4th quarter performance against Latvia. Gordon Herbert's squad beat Latvia 81-79 (13-16, 23-18, 26-25, 19-20) and advanced to the semifinal, in which it will face Team USA.
FIBA World Cup 2023: Doncic gets ejected, Schroder has a terrible game

2023-09-06

The final FIBA World Cup 2023 phase continued, as Wednesday offered two quarterfinal matchups. To start the day off, Latvia looked to shock the world once again in a meeting against Germany.
Latvia's young backcourt wants to keep working miracles in Manila

2023-09-06

Every successful team boasts a mix of young and experienced players who can guide it through thick and thin, including games against top-level opponents. For a squad that has suffered several setbacks both before and during the 2023 World Cup and doesn't possess significant roster depth, every player is important. 
Latvia crushes Brazil, goes to quarterfinals in FIBA World Cup 2023

2023-09-03

Latvia continues its Cinderella Story in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Despite not having their brightest star, Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia has denied all odds and advanced to the tournament quarterfinals. On Sunday, Latvia defeated Brazil in a do-or-die game 104-84 and booked their ticket to the Philippines, Manila, for the Final Phase.
Latvia players rate win over Spain, Luca Banchi wants to avoid fake friends

2023-09-01

Latvia racked up another big win in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, downing reigning champs Spain 79-74.  Right now (before Canada faces Brazil), three teams have three wins apiece in the group: Canada (3-0), Spain (3-1) and Latvia (3-1). If Canada beat Brazil, Latvia will either need to beat Brazil to advance to the quarter-finals or expect Canada to beat Spain on Sunday. 
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Empty list

2023/2024

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
OQT 4 50.4%
63/125 		30%
39/130 		81.3%
61/75 		36.5
24/12.5 		18.5 6.3 10.8 2.8 0 22.5 - 76

2022/2023

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
FIBA WC 8 60.6%
154/254 		42.1%
110/261 		74.5%
76/102 		32.5
24.6/7.9 		24.4 6.3 10.4 2.8 - 20.8 - 89.3

2021/2022

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
FIBA WC Q 2 56.9%
41/72 		42.2%
27/64 		76.1%
35/46 		40.5
26/14.5 		23 5.5 11.5 5 - 22.5 - 99

2019/2020

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
EuroBasket Q 1 0% 0% 0% 0
0/0 		0 0 0 0 - 0 - 0

2018/2019

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS

2017/2018

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS

2016/2017

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
EuroBasket 7 56.2%
146/260 		39.9%
75/188 		84.4%
124/147 		33.7
25.4/8.3 		24 5 11 2.1 - 23.9 - 91.6

2015/2016

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS

2014/2015

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
EuroBasket 9 54%
175/324 		27.8%
59/212 		77%
124/161 		36
26.6/9.4 		18.2 4.1 14.1 3.1 0 21.8 21 72.3

2013/2014

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS

2012/2013

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
EuroBasket 8 53.8%
147/273 		34.8%
73/210 		65.1%
84/129 		30.5
23.4/7.1 		14.6 3.6 11.9 2.4 - 23.9 - 74.6

2010/2011

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
EuroBasket 5 49.7%
92/185 		35.5%
44/124 		63.9%
69/108 		35.4
25.2/10.2 		13.2 2.6 11.2 2 - 25.8 - 77

2008/2009

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
EuroBasket 3 40.2%
39/97 		29.2%
19/65 		58.4%
52/89 		34.7
25/9.7 		11.7 5.3 14 2 - 22.3 - 62.3

2006/2007

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
EuroBasket 3 46%
46/100 		41.8%
28/67 		71.6%
53/74 		29.7
20.3/9.3 		11 7 13.7 1.7 - 26.7 - 76.3

2004/2005

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
EuroBasket 3 50.5%
50/99 		28.7%
31/108 		71.6%
48/67 		36.7
24.3/10 		10.3 10.3 13.3 4.7 - 30 - 80.3

2002/2003

GM 2P M/A 3P M/A FT M/A REB AS ST TO BS RBS PF RF PTS
EuroBasket 3 46.4%
58/125 		41.4%
29/70 		66.2%
49/74 		33.7
24.7/9 		16.3 6 14 1 - 28.7 - 84
 
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