nedjelja, 05.08.2007.
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MASTER OF THE STRATOSPHERE - MARIO KASUN (photo by Superkosarka.hr)
UPOZORENJE NAŠOJ UNUTARNJOJ LINIJI
Latvia: Biedrins Addition Can Boost Game
Latvian Basketball Federation President Ojars Kehris says he was excited about NBA center Andris Biedrins' commitment to the senior national team but also expects a transition period in the buildup to the 2007 EuroBasket for the young star.
"We don't know yet how it will be. We have one of the best centers in Europe, but he is not used to playing in Europe and Latvia for the past threee years," said Kehris.
"Many of his colleagues in the senior team remember him as a relatively small boy. It's interesting how it will work together."
The 21-year-old Biedrins, who plays for the NBA's Golden States Warriors, is making his debut with Latvia's senior national team after last playing for his home nation at the Challenge Round of the U18 European Championship Men in 2004.
And the president's review after Latvia's first warm-up games against neighbours Estonia: "It looks like the beginning is good."
He said Biedrins' arrival is very important for the status of Latvian basketball.
"Of course he is a very good example for the youth. I follow all the time how many basketball shoes are bought in Latvia and definitely his involvement will increase the number of shoes bought for young guys who will try to be like Andris Biedrins. That's how it works. Young guys try to be like a good player," Kehris said.
ANDRIS BIEDRINS MIX 2006/07: this was a big year for Andris, as he improved much under Don Nelson's system. Definately one of the key players of the Warriors' success and has earned himself a nice, big paycheck.
And Kehris believes Biedrins is one of the best Latvia have produced in a long time, perhaps even dating back to the 1950s and 1960s with Janis Krumins, who helped the Soviet Union to the silver medal at the 1956, 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games.
"We haven't had a really strong center player for a few decades. We remember Janis Krumins, who is one of the best players in the world at that time. But after that the Lithuanians had an era with Arvydas Sabonis and you know he gave a lot for Lithuanian basketball," Kehris said.
Biedrins will also play a critical role in Latvia's chances at the 2007 EuroBasket - as they have been drawn into a very difficult group with world champions Spain, Portugal and Croatia.
Kehris added: "We are looking at the national team as a long-term project. But we could be even better than two years ago (when they finished in the 13th-16th group in Serbia & Montenegro). But there is a possibility we could have problems.
"We have a very strong group with two local teams - I say two local teams because Portugal is a local team as well as Spain. And Croatia of course are always great in basketball. But one win could be enough to get out from the group."
National team coach Karlis Muiznieks has already been faced with an injury concern as veteran guard Kristaps Valters has been ruled out of EuroBasket.
"It is a loss. But usually we have enough players at the 1, 2 and 3 positions, though Valters is definitely one of the best. Still I think it will be a big chance for some new players to have some more playing time," Kehris said of the Valters loss.
David Hein
FIBA.COM
