The season of three Latvian basketball players takes place in a different dynamic in Europe’s strongest club tournament. Roland Schmidt occupies a stable position in Istanbul Anadolu Efes in the rotation of team players and on Tuesday became the richest Latvian basketball player in Euroleague games. Meanwhile, Artūrs Žagars, after a bright application in the last games, has not been given the chance of another big Turkish club Fenerbahce in the lineup, but Andrejs Gražulis is looking for his place in Bologna led by Lukas Banki Virtus in the composition.
Of the mentioned three, the highest in the tournament table is sought after Fenerbahcewhich ranks fourth overall with four wins in six games. In the first four rounds, the playing time and role of the linebacker Žagar steadily increased, but in the last two matches the Latvian remained on the bench. Although Fenerbahce head coach Sharun Jasikevic has repeatedly praised Žagar’s performance, American Skyler May has been preferred on the field lately.
Only scored less than a victory Anadolu Efeswhich is still in the tight tournament table, which puts them in the 12th place, which does not match the club’s ambitions. Schmidt has been one of the first options out of the starting lineup in all six games so far and scored eight points in the team’s 88-97 loss to his former club on Tuesday Barcelona. During his career, Šmits has already participated in 181 games, which is one more than Jānis Strēlnieks achieved. Dairis Bertāns is in third place among Latvians with 123 games in the Euroleague. Considering Roland’s long-term contract and position in the team, it is expected that the record will be further improved
On the other hand, Andrejs Gražulis participated in his second Euroleague game on Tuesday, in which he spent less than four minutes on the field and earned two points. After the knee surgery performed in the spring and long rehabilitation, the striker has not yet managed to take a stable place in the team’s rotation. Considering Virtus due to the weak start of the season – only one victory was won in the Euroleague – coach Banki’s position in the club has also deteriorated.
In the 7th round of the Euroleague Anadolu Efes will visit Berlin on Thursday Alba and Virtus – near Milan Olympiad. A day later Fenerbahce will host Belgrade Partisan.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Basketball Expert Dr. Jānis Kalniņš
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Kalniņš! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss the current dynamic among Latvian basketball players in the Euroleague. Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen Roland Schmidt making headlines as the richest Latvian basketball player in Euroleague history while playing for Anadolu Efes. What does this achievement signify for Schmidt and for Latvian basketball as a whole?
Dr. Jānis Kalniņš: Thank you for having me! Roland Schmidt’s rise to prominence in the Euroleague is indeed remarkable. His success not only elevates his personal status but also brings visibility to Latvian basketball on a larger scale. Being the richest Latvian player in Euroleague history sets a new benchmark for young athletes and showcases the potential for success in international leagues. It reflects hard work, talent, and the right opportunities.
Time.news Editor: It’s fantastic to see such representation. Speaking of representation, Artūrs Žagars had a promising start with Fenerbahce, but his recent benching has raised some eyebrows. Can you shed light on what is happening there?
Dr. Jānis Kalniņš: Absolutely. Artūrs showed significant promise in the earlier games, and it’s natural for a young player to experience ups and downs in their career. Fenerbahce’s coach has acknowledged his talent, but in such a competitive league, decisions often come down to strategy and immediate game needs. Coach Šarūnas Jasikevičius may have opted for more seasoned players like Skyler May based on match-ups and performance trends, which isn’t a knock on Žagars’ abilities but rather a strategic choice to optimize the team’s overall performance.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. The dynamics in team selection can be so nuanced. Meanwhile, Andrejs Gražulis is still finding his footing with Virtus Bologna. What do you think he needs to do to solidify his position in the rotation?
Dr. Jānis Kalniņš: For Gražulis, it’s crucial to demonstrate versatility and adaptability. Virtus Bologna is a strong team with high expectations, and he needs to prove that he can contribute consistently. By improving his skills in areas such as defense, decision-making under pressure, and even playmaking, he can earn more trust from coach Luka Banki. It’s all about seizing opportunities when they arise and staying ready to make an impact.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the high stakes in the Euroleague. How do you think the pressures of playing in such a prestigious competition affect young players like Žagars and Gražulis?
Dr. Jānis Kalniņš: That’s a critical point. Playing at this level brings immense pressure, especially when expectations are high. Young players may struggle with consistency due to performance anxiety or uncertainty in their roles. However, this pressure can also be a catalyst for growth. If they learn to manage expectations and channel their focus into their performance, it can lead to significant personal and professional development. The key is support—mentoring from veterans and the coaching staff can be invaluable in helping them navigate these challenges.
Time.news Editor: Wise words! with the Euroleague being so competitive, what does the future hold for Latvian basketball players on this international stage?
Dr. Jānis Kalniņš: The future looks promising! The success of players like Schmidt is just the beginning. Latvia has a strong pool of talent emerging, and as these players gain experience and visibility, I expect to see more of them joining the ranks of elite European teams. This could create a positive feedback loop where their success inspires new generations. Additionally, with increased support for basketball programs in Latvia, we may witness an even stronger representation in the international arena.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kalniņš, for your insights! It’s exciting to think about the potential of Latvian basketball on the global stage. Let’s keep an eye on these players as they continue to develop their careers in the Euroleague!
Dr. Jānis Kalniņš: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how the season unfolds for them.