Half of the 12 players selected for the Latvian U16 men’s basketball national team ahead of the upcoming European Championship play for international clubs, according to the Latvian Basketball Association (LBS). Head coach Edijs Šlesers finalized his roster after cutting Marko Mētra and Patriku Rācenāju from the final 14-player preparation phase and Baltic Cup campaign.
Roster Selection and International Representation
According to LBS data released on Tuesday, international experience shapes the core of the Latvian squad heading to Romania. The roster features overseas-based players including Ralfs Barlots representing Scafati in Italy, Kristians Martinsons playing for Barcelona in Spain, Markuss Jahovičs with Trento’s Dolomiti Energia in Italy, Bendžamins Jānis Beruē from Dynamic Prep in the United States, Gustavs Vilcāns representing Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and Markuss Aleksandrovs playing for Livorno Libertas in Italy.
Domestic talent rounds out the 12-player lineup. Ronalds Teikmanis represents RBS Jugla, Gustavs Ķirsons plays for Bertānu VBS, Emīls Hauka comes from Ogres BS, Juris Sičkars represents Jūrmalas Sporta skola, Mārtiņš Rasnačs plays for Tukuma Sporta skola, and Matīss Preimanis represents Siguldas Sporta skola.
Did you know? Bendžamins Jānis Beruē, Markuss Jahovičs, and Gustavs Vilcāns played also in last year’s European U16 Championship.
Preparation and Coach Assessment
Head coach Edijs Šlesers reported that all players arrived at the training camp in good physical condition without sustaining serious injuries, according to LBS statements. “The choice of the roster was not easy, and we were guided by the sporting principle, taking into account performance both in training and in games,” Šlesers said.
The coaching staff identified a clear group of leaders and supporting players following a demanding training schedule. While players made strong progress in individual skills and team concepts, Šlesers noted that tactical execution remains a work in progress due to the age group’s current development stage. “At this age, we cannot talk about a fully ready team – even during the championship, each player will have the opportunity to learn something new and progress in training, video sessions, and games,” Šlesers stated.
European Championship Schedule and Opponents
The European Championship runs from August 7 to 16 in Romania, with matches hosted in Oradea. According to tournament regulations, Latvia competes in Group B against Italy, Turkey, and the Czech Republic in sequential order.
Following group play, the team faces an immediate crossover in the round of 16 against Group A opponents, which features Serbia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania. Winners of those matchups advance to contend for medals, while defeated teams fight to avoid relegation. The bottom three finishers in the tournament lose their status in Division A, according to LBS guidelines.
Summer Preparation Results
Latvia tested its roster against competitive international opponents throughout July and early August. In a mid-July tournament in Istanbul, the team dropped games to Turkey (58-85) and Germany (74-82) before losing an overtime battle to Greece (83-90). Return fixtures in Riga at the end of July brought a split against Israel, securing an 80-62 victory before falling 81-87.
At the Baltic Cup last weekend, Latvia rebounded with strong performances, defeating Estonia’s U16 squad 95-86 and edging Lithuania 80-71, though concluding the tournament with a narrow 77-81 defeat against Spain.
Head coach Šlesers is supported on the bench by assistant coaches Gunārs Gailītis and Sandis Poga.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the European U16 Championship taking place?
The tournament takes place from August 7 to 16 in Oradea, Romania, according to the Latvian Basketball Association.
Who are Latvia’s group stage opponents?
Latvia competes in Group B against Italy, Turkey, and the Czech Republic.
How many players on the roster play outside of Latvia?
Half of the 12-player roster plays for international clubs in Italy, Spain, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.
Stay Updated on Youth Basketball
Want to follow Latvia’s campaign at the European Championship? Subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates, match recaps, and exclusive tournament coverage.
Keep reading