For the first time in the history of the sport, a record-breaking contingent of Latvian 3×3 basketball players is heading east. At least eight professionals are set to compete in Asian leagues this coming season, marking a significant shift in the geographical footprint of Latvia’s 3×3 talent pool, which has historically seen only a few elite players venture so far from home.
While Olympic champions Nauris Miezis and Kārlis Lasmanis have previously paved the way into Asian markets, the upcoming season sees a broader exodus of talent. Joining them in the pursuit of professional growth in the East are Zigmārs Raimo, Francis Lācis, Rihards Kuksiks, Kristaps Gludītis, Mārcis Osis, and Daniils Smirnovs.
This movement represents more than just individual career moves; it is a strategic expansion. By embedding themselves in high-tempo Asian leagues, these athletes are seeking the consistent, high-level sparring necessary to maintain Latvia’s standing in the FIBA 3×3 global rankings, with a clear eye toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
A Strategic Map of the East
The distribution of players across Asia reflects a mix of returning veterans and newcomers. Kārlis Lasmanis has already returned to Shanghai, China, a city that has become a second home. Now entering his third year with the same team, Lasmanis views his return not as a quest for validation, but as a homecoming to what he describes as his “Chinese family.”
Joining Lasmanis in Shanghai is Francis Lācis. Lācis credits the groundwork laid by Lasmanis and Miezis for his opportunity, noting that the reputation of Latvian players in China helped secure his spot on a team featuring Spanish and Chinese teammates. For Lācis, the primary objective is the World Tour, where accumulating ranking points is essential for national qualification for LA2028.
Meanwhile, the Japanese market is seeing a more permanent investment. Kristaps Gludītis and Zigmārs Raimo have secured 12-month contracts—a rarity in a sport often defined by shorter seasonal stints. These agreements include housing and transportation, providing a level of stability that allows Raimo to relocate with his wife.
Nauris Miezis is embarking on a different path, heading to Ulan Bator to play for a Mongolian club. Miezis, a global benchmark in the 3×3 game, admitted that while he enjoyed previous tournaments in Mongolia, living in China had been a psychological struggle. He views the move to Mongolia as a fresh start and a necessary challenge.
| Player | Destination | Key Focus/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Kārlis Lasmanis | Shanghai, China | Returning for 3rd season; veteran leadership |
| Francis Lācis | Shanghai, China | World Tour ranking points; LA 2028 goal |
| Nauris Miezis | Ulan Bator, Mongolia | Novel professional environment; World Championship goal |
| Zigmārs Raimo | Japan | 12-month contract; family relocation |
| Kristaps Gludītis | Japan | 12-month contract; infrastructure development |
The Pursuit of the World Title
For Nauris Miezis, the professional journey is driven by one remaining void in his trophy cabinet: the World Championship. Reflecting on his start in the sport back in 2017 during a “Challenger” tournament with team Riga, Miezis is now focused on the pinnacle of the game.
“I wish that [world champion] title! If I win that, then I’ll start thinking about further goals,” Miezis said.
The increased number of Latvians playing professionally abroad is also expected to benefit the national team. In the early days of the program, the core consisted of only four players who often had to recruit other basketball players just to have quality sparring partners. Now, with a deep pool of professional 3×3 specialists, the national team can engage in high-intensity internal competition during training camps.
Miezis noted that this depth is crucial for managing the grueling nature of the club season, where injuries are a constant threat. A larger rotation of professional players ensures that the national team remains resilient regardless of individual setbacks.
Finding Balance on the Disc Golf Course
Despite the high-stakes environment of professional basketball and the stresses of international relocation, the players have found an unlikely sanctuary in Riga: disc golf. The sport has evolved from a casual curiosity into a shared hobby for the squad, offering a mental reprieve from the intensity of the court.
Miezis first encountered the sport in Valmiera, eventually discovering that teammates Raimo and Lācis were already playing with a degree of seriousness. For the athletes, the appeal lies in the combination of fresh air and a different kind of competitive drive.
The camaraderie extends beyond the disc golf course. Lasmanis has expressed hope that the group will eventually transition into traditional golf to further expand their social circle on the green, specifically encouraging Lācis to grab up the sport.
As the season approaches, these athletes will balance their commitments to Asian clubs with their duties to the Latvian national team. The players have committed to gathering for intensive training camps prior to major tournaments, ensuring that their individual growth in Asia translates into collective success for Latvia.
The next critical milestone for the group will be the commencement of their respective league schedules in Asia and the subsequent assembly of the national team for the first round of international qualifiers.
Do you feel the move to Asian leagues will give Latvia a competitive edge for LA 2028? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
