Bagatskis, Latvia players launch build-up for Belgrade OQT
RIGA (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - Latvia have trimmed their preliminary squad for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade to 20 players ahead of Monday's first gathering
RIGA (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - Latvia have trimmed their preliminary squad for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade to 20 players ahead of Monday's first gathering with coach Ainars Bagataskis in Valmiera.
Not all of the players will be with the team at the start of the first training camp as several are still in play-off action with their respective club sides.
| Latvia 20-player preliminary squad for OQT in Belgrade |
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| Dairis Bertans | Davis Bertans | Janis Berzins | Kaspars Berzins |
| Janis Blums | Rolands Freimanis | Kristaps Gluditis | Ingus Jakovics |
| Martins Laksa | Davis Lejasmeiers | Martins Meiers | Mareks Mejeris |
| Anzejs Pasecniks | Zanis Peiners | Ojars Silins | Aigars Skele |
| Rolands Smits | Janis Strelnieks | Janis Timma | Kaspars Vecvagars |
Bagatskis says it's unclear if Laboral Kutxa sharpshooter Davis Bertans will be able to play. The 23-year-old returned to action mid-season after recovering from a second serious knee injury and his playing status needs to be evaluated after the play-offs with his club, which trails Barcelona 2-0 in a best-of-five Semi-Final series.
His presence would give a lift to a Latvia side that lost veteran Kristaps Janicenoks to a torn ACL recently. The 33-year-old suffered the injury while playing for Ventspils. His absence is a blow for a Latvian team that got an average of 9.6 points per game out of Janicenoks at last year's EuroBasket.
A groin problem has also cancelled the possible return of Armands Skele, who was contending for a spot on the team after an outstanding campaign for surprise Latvian champions Valmiera, in which he was named Regular Season MVP.
There are plenty of faces from last year's team, however, still in the squad, including explosive guards Dairis Bertans and Janis Strelnieks and big men Kaspars Berzins, Rolands Freimanis and Martins Meiers.
Latvia are looking to build on last summer's performance in Riga and France. The high point came in a Round of 16 victory over Slovenia.
The Baltic side then lost to France, however, and followed that with defeats to Greece and the Czech Republic to end up eighth in the competition. Bagatskis was keen to see his players face-to-face on Monday.
"First of all I need to evaluate the physical and psychological condition of the players, then find the rhythm," the veteran coach said.
As part of their preparations, Latvia will face France, Tunisia, New Zealand and Iran in friendly games.
At the OQT, Latvia will square off against Japan and the Czechs in Group B. If they advance, they will go up against Serbia, Angola or Puerto Rico out of Group A in a Semi-Final. The Semi-Final winners will then meet for the right to play in Rio.
FIBA