Latvia's Bertans eyes possibilty of 'third or second' place in EuroBasket Group D

CHARLOTTE (FIBA EuroBasket 2017) - A Latvian took the NBA by storm in 2015-16 when Kristaps Porzingis joined the New York Knicks. He turned heads with his incredible play at both ends of the floor. One of his compatriots, Davis Bertans, is also now raising eyebrows after joining San Antonio this season.

Neither played for Latvia at the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Belgrade but imagine what the prospects will be if both play at FIBA EuroBasket 2017. Well, it could happen.

Bertans, 24, who had a season-high 11 points in a win at the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, has spoken to FIBA.com.

Latvia were drawn in Group D with Great Britain, Russia, Serbia, Belgium and Turkey, the host team. How does this suit Latvia?
I think there are tough teams in all of the groups and certainly Turkey and Serbia are the top level, and Russia as well. It will definitely be tough but nothing is impossible. I think our national team has improved over the years and if we can keep improving in the same way, we'll have a great chance of finishing third or second in our group.

What do you see yourself potentially bringing to the team?
I think 3-point shooting, length and at the same time, I can help on the defensive end, spread the floor, that's what I bring to the table on that team.

And the strongest aspect of the Latvia team?
It think Porzingis, probably. If he plays, I really hope so, he's definitely improved incredibly in two seasons, especially this season he is proving to be one of the leaders on his team and they have started winning games.

Why was he such an immediate hit?
I think that playing in the Spanish league helped him a lot. He played against teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona and most of their players could be in the NBA if they wanted to. I think that was a huge help for him. If he could compete on that level and coming in here and working hard all summer, it wasn't a big surprise that he was so confident.

The fans see the NBA games but they don't get a good look at what goes on in practice. Are you getting an opportunity to work on the areas that you need to work on in your game with the Spurs?
There are definitely a lot of things that I can improve and especially here, we have a lot of young guys that spend a lot of time in the gym before games and practices and we spend a lot of time working on those little things. I can definitely use this time to help improve.

Because it's San Antonio, has that aided your transition to the league?
This type of game that the Spurs are playing is the closest type of European style you have in the NBA. It's definitely easier than if I had joined some another team. The European-style system helps, and players like Manu (Ginobili) who had a few years in Europe before coming over, it's a big help.

What's it like trying to play defence in the NBA?
A lot more athletic players on most teams and even some of the shooters are a level higher, so you have to be careful and you can't make a small mistake or they're going to make you pay for it. It's getting easier and easier day-by-day, games and practice and getting used to the system.

Domas Sabonis of Lithuania, who like you and Porzingis once competed in Spain, is also in the NBA now, playing for Oklahoma City. Have you seen him play much? 
I didn't get to see him that much when he was playing college (at Gonzaga) but I saw a couple of games in the (NBA) pre-season and he's definitely playing good. He'll be a big force for Lithuania in EuroBasket.

FIBA