Bagatskis confident Latvia will be tough competitors at Belgrade OQT

RIGA (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - The disappointment over the no-show of Kristaps Porzingis at this summer's FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade is going to linger for the Latvia fans.

It's not every year that a national team has a chance to reach an Olympics, and it's painful when the country's most famous player decides the timing isn't right for him to join the squad.

But basketball is a team sport. No single player is going to win or lose games, or in Latvia's case, the Belgrade OQT which will run 4-9 July. Spain were without key players at EuroBasket 2015 but still won the title and Venezuela did not have their only NBA player, Greivis Vasquez, at the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship but still prevailed.

Latvia, their coach Ainars Bagatskis has told FIBA.com, have a fighting chance to make it to Rio de Janeiro without New York Knicks star Porzingis.

I think Latvia has a big opportunity to qualify for the Olympics, and until now we have made it here without Kristaps. - Bagatskis

The coach is among those wishing, however, that Porzingis had chosen to play. He is not angry, though. He understands how professional sports works, and that athletes have difficult decisions to make.

"I respect his decision and respect that he informed us as early as possible," said Bagatskis, who has coached the side at the last three EuroBaskets. "Of course, it would have been great if Kristaps could have represented Latvia this year."

Would it have been a struggle for Porzingis to adapt to the Latvia national team? Bagatskis believes no.

"I think there would be no problems with Kristaps filling in to the roster and the game we play, because Kristaps has a high basketball IQ," Bagatskis said. "He would make our game unpredictable and help us achieve new victories."

With that in mind, Porzingis will eventually play for Latvia. He made that pledge on the day that he announced he wouldn't feature at the OQT. When he does put on the Latvia jersey again, as he did three years ago at the U18 European Championship, it's going to be a big occasion.

Bagatskis still believes that Latvia have what it takes to get the important wins in Belgrade so they can play in Rio. They will take on the Czech Republic and Japan in Group B, with Serbia, Angola and Puerto Rico in Group A. Only the OQT winner will advance to Brazil.

Every year under Bagataskis, Latvia have played better basketball. At EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania, they did not win a game. At the same tournament two years later in Slovenia, Latvia won four of their eight contests.

Last year, Latvia finished eighth and claimed a spot in the OQT. Their most important win came against Slovenia in the Round of 16.

Bagatskis is looking for more improvement in July.

In the past six years, since I have been the head coach of the national team, we have managed to achieve more and more. The players have grown and the team plays better and better, even though every tournament gives unexpected surprises by losing some of the leaders. Team chemistry and players' willingness to represent their country is the key to success. - Bagatskis

FIBA