Famous Latvian Basketball Players

Kristaps Porziņģis is a Latvian professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Known as "The Unicorn," he plays as a power forward and center. Porziņģis started his career with Sevilla, winning the EuroCup Basketball Rising Star award in 2015. He was drafted fourth overall by the New York Knicks and became an All-Star in 2018. Traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2019, injuries affected his performance. After a resurgence with the Washington Wizards, he joined the Boston Celtics and won the 2024 NBA Finals.

Rodions Kurucs is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his versatility and skill as a small forward. Standing at 6 ft 9 in, he has showcased his talent for UCAM Murcia in the Spanish Liga ACB. Kurucs has impressed fans and scouts with his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and basketball IQ. His height, combined with his quickness and shooting touch, make him a valuable asset on the court. Kurucs' professional career continues to flourish as he demonstrates his potential to be a key player in the league.

Dāvis Bertāns is a Latvian professional basketball player known as the "Latvian Laser". He has played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for teams such as the Charlotte Hornets and the Indiana Pacers. Bertāns is recognized for his sharpshooting skills and has gained a reputation as a reliable scorer. In addition to his contributions in the NBA, he also represents the Latvian national team, showcasing his talent on an international level. Bertāns' career has been marked by his impressive shooting ability and versatility on the court.

Andris Biedriņš is a retired professional basketball player from Latvia. He was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the 11th overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft. Biedriņš played as a center and was known for his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities. He spent the majority of his career with the Warriors, where he established himself as a reliable defensive presence. Biedriņš also had brief stints with other NBA teams before eventually retiring from professional basketball.

Uļjana Larionovna Semjonova is a retired Latvian basketball player of Russian descent who competed for the Soviet Union. Standing at least 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in), she was the leading women's basketball player in the world in the 1970s and 1980s. Known for her exceptional skills, she played for TTT Riga and won numerous championships in the Soviet Union and the European Champion's Cup. Semjonova also excelled in international play, winning two Olympic Gold medals and achieving various accolades, including inductions into multiple basketball Halls of Fame.

Jānis Timma is a skilled Latvian professional basketball player known for his versatile play at the small forward position. He currently competes for Monbus Obradoiro in the Liga ACB. Timma's talent and dedication have also earned him a spot on the senior Latvian national team, showcasing his abilities on an international level. Standing at 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in), Timma's height gives him an advantage on the court, allowing him to contribute effectively in various aspects of the game.

Jānis Strēlnieks is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his skills as a shooting guard. He has played for various teams throughout his career, including Scafati Basket in the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). Strēlnieks is also a key player for the senior Latvia national team, representing his country at the international level. Standing at 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) tall, he has showcased his talent and versatility on the court, earning a reputation as a reliable scorer and a strong defender.

Anžejs Pasečņiks is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his skills on the court. He currently plays for Palencia in the Liga ACB, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. Pasečņiks has established himself as a key player, contributing to his team's success with his athleticism and basketball IQ. His presence on the court brings energy and versatility, making him a valuable asset in the competitive world of professional basketball.

Rolands Šmits is a Latvian professional basketball player for Anadolu Efes in the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi and EuroLeague. Standing at 2.08 m (6 ft 10 in) and weighing 107 kg (235 lbs), he excels as a power forward and can also perform as a small ball center. With a versatile skill set, Šmits contributes significantly to his team's performance on the court. His proficiency in both positions makes him a valuable asset, showcasing his adaptability and basketball IQ in professional competitions.

Dairis Bertāns is a skilled Latvian professional basketball player known for his sharpshooting abilities. He currently plays for VEF Rīga in the Latvian–Estonian Basketball League and also represents the Latvia national basketball team. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 200 pounds, he excels as a shooting guard on the court. Bertāns' talent and dedication have made him a valuable asset to his teams, where he consistently demonstrates his scoring prowess and defensive capabilities.

Artūrs Kurucs is a professional basketball player for UCAM Murcia in the Spanish Liga ACB and the Basketball Champions League. Standing at 1.93 meters tall, his primary position on the court is at guard. He has demonstrated his skills and talents through his contributions to the team. Kurucs has shown a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft, earning a place in professional basketball and making a name for himself in the competitive world of the sport.

Ainars Bagatskis is a former professional basketball player turned coach from Latvia. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in the basketball world, showcasing his skills both on the court and on the sidelines. Bagatskis currently serves as the head coach of CSO Voluntari in the Liga Națională. With a successful playing career behind him, he has transitioned seamlessly into coaching, where he continues to demonstrate his passion for the sport and leadership abilities.

Jānis Porziņģis had a successful professional basketball career, playing as a small forward. Standing at 2.02 meters tall, he showcased his skills on the court with agility and precision. Throughout his time as a player, he demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to the sport. Known for his versatility and basketball IQ, Porziņģis was a valuable asset to his teams. His contributions and impact on the game left a lasting impression on fans and fellow players alike.

Jānis Krūmiņš was a Soviet-Latvian professional basketball player known for his dominant presence as a giant center standing at about 220 cm (7'3"). He achieved great success as a player for the senior Soviet Union national basketball team, winning 3 gold medals at the EuroBaskets in 1959, 1961, and 1963, and 3 silver medals at the Summer Olympic Games in 1956, 1960, and 1964. Krūmiņš was highly regarded in a 2006 Russian poll, ranking as the 3rd most popular Soviet men's basketball player after Sabonis and Tkachenko.

Valdis Valters is a retired Latvian professional basketball player who played as a point guard for the senior USSR national team. He is considered one of the greatest European players of the 1980s, known for his skills and contributions to the sport. Valters has had a significant impact on Latvian basketball history, being recognized as one of the most influential figures in the sport. His achievements led to his induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017, solidifying his legacy in the basketball world.

Artūrs Žagars is a Latvian professional basketball player currently signed with Fenerbahçe Beko in the Turkish BSL and the EuroLeague. Standing at 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in), he excels as a point guard, showcasing exceptional skills on the court. With his quick decision-making and precise ball-handling abilities, Žagars plays a pivotal role in directing his team's offense. His dynamic playing style and strategic mindset make him a valuable asset in competitive basketball leagues, where he continues to impress fans and teammates alike.

Gundars Vētra is a former professional basketball player and current coach from Latvia. Standing at 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), he played as a shooting guard and small forward. Vētra made history as the first Latvian to play in the NBA, appearing in 13 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 1992–1993 season. His career highlights include representing Latvia internationally and transitioning into coaching after retiring as a player. Vētra's impact on Latvian basketball has been significant, inspiring future generations of players.

Mārtiņš Meiers is a skilled Latvian professional basketball player known for his talents on the court. He currently plays for Rīgas Zeļļi in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League, where he has showcased his strong basketball skills and contributed to the team's success. Meiers has gained recognition for his athleticism, scoring abilities, and defensive prowess, making him a valuable asset to his team. His dedication to the sport and consistent performance have solidified his reputation as a reliable and talented player in the basketball community.

Anete Jēkabsone-Žogota is a former Latvian basketball player who had a successful professional career playing for various teams in Europe and the United States. She played for clubs like Dynamo Moscow, USO Mondeville, and CJM Bourges Basket. Jēkabsone-Žogota also represented the Latvia women's national basketball team in major competitions such as EuroBasket Women and the Olympics. She later joined the Connecticut Sun in the Women's National Basketball Association as a free agent, showcasing her skills in scoring and assists during her time with the team.

Kristīne Vītola is a prominent Latvian basketball player known for her skills on the court. She currently plays for Olympiacos WBC and represents the Latvian national team, showcasing her talent at various competitions. Vītola's career highlights include her participation at the EuroBasket Women 2017, where she demonstrated her athleticism and dedication to the sport. With a strong presence in both club and national teams, Vītola continues to make significant contributions to the basketball world with her impressive performances and passion for the game.

Kitija Laksa is a Latvian professional basketball player who has played for various teams such as Fenerbahçe in the Women's Basketball Super League and EuroLeague Women, as well as the Latvian national team. She initially played for the South Florida Bulls in the American collegiate league but had to end her senior season early due to a knee injury. After a brief stint with TTT Riga, she was drafted by the Seattle Storm in the WNBA but did not play any games in the league.

Žanis Peiners is a skilled Latvian basketball player known for his versatility as a shooting guard-small forward. Standing at 2.05 meters tall, he has demonstrated a strong presence on the court with his scoring ability and defensive skills. Peiners has played professionally, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. His contributions to various teams have earned him a reputation as a reliable player who can deliver impactful performances in critical moments. Peiners continues to excel in his professional basketball career, leaving a mark in the sport.

Jānis Blūms had a successful professional basketball career as a versatile player, excelling as both a point guard and shooting guard. His skills on the court earned him a prominent role as the captain of the Latvia national team. Standing at 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in), his height and agility contributed to his effectiveness on both offense and defense. Blūms' leadership qualities and dedication to the sport made him a respected figure in the basketball community, leaving a lasting impact on the game.

Jānis Bērziņš is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his talent as a small forward. Standing at 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in), he currently showcases his skills playing for Kalev/Cramo in the Korvpalli Meistriliiga. With a strong presence on the court, Bērziņš has demonstrated his versatility and scoring abilities, making him a valuable asset to his team. His dedication to the sport and consistent performance have solidified his reputation as a skilled and reliable player in the professional basketball scene.

Mārtiņš Laksa is a professional Latvian basketball player currently playing for GTK Gliwice in the Polish Basketball League (PLK). He has showcased his skills and talent on the court, impressing fans and coaches alike with his performance. Laksa's dedication to the sport has allowed him to excel in his career, contributing to his team's success. As a key player for GTK Gliwice, he continues to make significant contributions to the team's overall performance and strives to reach new heights in his professional basketball journey.

Rihards Lomažs is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his skills on the court. He currently plays for Virtus Bologna in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA) and competes in the prestigious EuroLeague. Lomažs has established himself as a key player for his team, showcasing his talent and contributing to their success in various competitions. With his dedication and hard work, he continues to make a significant impact in the professional basketball world, gaining recognition for his performance and sportsmanship.

Kaspars Bērziņš is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his skills on the court. He has gained recognition for his contributions to the senior Latvian national team, showcasing his talent at an international level. Throughout his career, Bērziņš has demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to the sport, earning the respect of fans and fellow athletes alike. His performance on the basketball court has solidified his reputation as a skilled and accomplished player in the world of professional basketball.

Kaspars Kambala is a retired Latvian athlete known for his professional career in both basketball and boxing. Standing at an impressive height of 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in), he excelled as a forward-center in basketball. Kambala showcased his skills and athleticism on the court, captivating audiences with his performance. In addition to basketball, he also ventured into professional boxing, demonstrating his versatility and determination in the sports world. Throughout his career, Kambala left a lasting impact with his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.

Rolands Freimanis is a skilled Latvian professional basketball player known for his versatility on the court. He currently competes for Gaziantep Basketbol in the Türkiye Basketbol Ligi, showcasing his talents as both a power forward and center. With a strong presence in the paint and a reliable outside shot, Freimanis contributes valuable scoring and defensive abilities to his team. His experience and adaptability make him a key player in the TBL, where he continues to make significant contributions to his team's success.

Roberts Štelmahers is a Latvian professional basketball coach and former player. He played as a point guard and represented the Latvia national basketball team from 1992 to 2005, participating in four EuroBasket final tournaments. Štelmahers played a total of 144 games for the national team. He transitioned to coaching and most recently served as the head coach for Lietkabelis Panevėžys in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL). His career showcases a strong dedication to the sport both as a player and a coach.

Armands Šķēle is a former Latvian professional basketball player known for his artistic and unorthodox style of play. He was a key member of the Latvian National Team, where he showcased his creativity and unique moves on the court. Throughout his career, Šķēle earned the nickname "Big Time" for his exceptional skills and charismatic personality. His contributions to the sport were highly praised by fans and fellow players alike, solidifying his legacy as a talented and innovative athlete.

Ojārs Siliņš is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his versatility on the court, primarily playing as a small forward and power forward for Legia Warsaw in the Polish Basketball League (PLK). With his skill set and athleticism, Siliņš has contributed significantly to his team's success, showcasing his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and rebounding skills. His dedication to the sport and strong work ethic have made him a valuable asset to Legia Warsaw, and he continues to make a positive impact in professional basketball.

Rihards Kuksiks is a Latvian professional basketball player known for his sharpshooting skills. He has played for various teams in European leagues, including Pieno žvaigždės Pasvalys in the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL). Kuksiks is recognized for his contributions on the court, particularly as a three-point specialist. Additionally, he has represented the senior Latvia national basketball team, showcasing his talent at the international level. Kuksiks' experience and versatility have made him a valuable asset to the teams he has played for throughout his professional career.

Igors Miglinieks had a successful career as a professional basketball player and coach in both the Soviet Union and Latvia. He played primarily as a point guard and shooting guard, showcasing his skills and leadership on the court. After retiring as a player, Miglinieks transitioned to coaching, where he continued to make an impact in the basketball world. His experience as both a player and coach provided him with valuable insights and knowledge that he used to mentor and guide aspiring athletes.

Aigars Šķēle is a Latvian professional basketball player currently playing for Rostock Seawolves in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL). Known for his athleticism and scoring ability, he has made a significant impact on the court with his versatile skills. Šķēle has proven to be a valuable asset to his team, contributing consistently to their success in league competitions. With his dedication and hard work, he has earned a reputation as a reliable and talented player in the competitive world of professional basketball.