By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
“I’m a proud Latvian, I’m proud of where I come from. And I’m proud to represent my country in a tournament this big,” Porzingis told FIBA.basketball.
“It’s all going to be about the team, it’s about the three stars that we’re wearing on our chest and nothing else really matters. No individual awards, nothing like that. We want to go out there and play team basketball and go as far as we can in the tournament”, said the “Unicorn” who more than enjoys his time in the national team.
As he explains, this team has a very special place in his heart. It’s about his country and his home town of Liepaja: “That is very special. Not just playing with the national team, but also being able to represent Liepaja while I’m playing in the States, while I’m playing for New York. A lot of people are finding out about Liepaja because of that. I am really proud to be from there and I say that in every interview. It’s really unbelievable that all these players in our national team are from different towns, different cities. It’s really special that we have basketball players coming out of every part of the country. I love working out there, just because I can spend time with my family. I think we have one of the best facilities at the Liepaja Olympic Center. I have everything I need over there – the court is always in perfect condition, weight room, swimming pool. I think that’s the perfect environment for you to get better. That’s why after the season I wanted to get out of New York and just focus on getting better and stronger.”
The last time Porzingis suited up for his country was actually at the FIBA U18 European Championship 2013 in Liepaja, with Latvia falling short of the podium by the closest of margins. “It was very special that the tournament was happening in Latvia,” Porzingis recalled. “Obviously, it did not end the way we wanted to. We wanted to get the bronze medal in the last game against Spain. We were up, but they hit a crazy step-back three-pointer to win the game. That was really tough. That feeling is still burning inside. So if we have a chance to go as far in this tournament, hopefully, we can do big things.”
(Photo credit: FIBA.basketball)