By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Arturs Kurucs, Marcis Steinbergs, and Anzejs Pasecniks were the last cuts made by Luca Banchi to shape the final roster for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga.
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The Latvian Basketball Association, LBS, announced the selections of the Italian head coach on Sunday.
“It is time to announce the decision and the 12 players representing Latvia in the important tournament,” noted the selector of the senior national team.
Final 12-player squad
- Dairis Bertans (VEF Riga)
- Davis Bertans (Charlotte Hornets)
- Klavs Cavars (Yokohama Excellence)
- Rodions Kurucs (UCAM Murcia)
- Rihards Lomazs (Virtus Segafredo Bologna)
- Mareks Mejeris (U-BT Cluj-Napoca)
- Rolands Smits (Anadolu Efes)
- Arturs Strautins (Bertram Derthona Tortona)
- Janis Strelnieks (Monbus Obradoiro)
- Janis Timma (Monbus Obradoiro)
- Arturs Zagars (Fenerbahce Beko)
- Kristers Zoriks (Aliaga Petkimspor)
Latvia is heading to collisions with Georgia on Tuesday and the Philippines on Wednesday. Ranking first or second in Group A would generate a clash with a team from Group B, Brazil, Cameroon, or Montenegro, in the Semifinals of the OQT on Saturday. Ultimately, the winner of the Final on Sunday will rank first among the six countries and clinch a berth in the Olympic Games, joining host France, Germany, and Japan in Group B of the preliminary stage of the Olympic basketball tournament.
Leading star Kristaps Porzingis has been ruled out. After winning the NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, he underwent surgery on his left leg. The 28-year-old forward/center is projected to sit out five to six months.