#1. This week's number one is former international forward Ernests Kalve (200-87, currently plays in EuroChallenge). He led his Hungarian team Szolnok to a victory over the closely-ranked Timisoara (1-5) 77-71 in the EuroChallenge in Tuesday night's game.
Kalve was MVP of the game. He scored 32 points (!!!), had 8 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 38 minutes on the court.
Szolnoki Olajbanyaszis placed fourth in group J.
It's Kalve's first season with the team.
Kalve has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 17.0ppg, 6.7rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 64.6%(31-48), 3FGP: 28.6% and FT: 78.6% in the six games he played so far.
Kalve played for the Latvian senior national team two years ago.
#2. Second place goes to an international shooting guard Janis Blums (191-82, currently plays in VTB United League). He was the major contributor in an overtime Lietuvos rytas' victory against the seventh-ranked BC Donetsk (3-5) 99-97 in the VTB United League last Sunday.
Blums scored 17 points, made 3 passes and 5 steals.
Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius (4-4) is placed fifth in group A.
Blums has relatively good stats this season: 11.2ppg, 1.7rpg, 2.2apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 33.3%, 3FGP: 38.9% and FT: 89.5%.
He is in the roster of the Latvian senior national team.
#3. The Latvian player who performed third best last week abroad was an international small forward Davis Bertans (203-92, currently plays in Adriatic League). Bertans contributed to Partizan's victory against the seventh-ranked MZT Skopje (6-6) 68-58 in the Adriatic League on Sunday night.
He scored 10 points, had 7 rebounds and made 2 blocks in 24 minutes.
BC Partizan MT:S Beograd (9-3) is placed second in the Adriatic League.
This year Bertans' overall stats are: 7.6ppg, 2.7rpg, 3FGP: 42.1% and FT: 76.5% in the 12 games.
He is also a member of the Latvian senior national team.
#4. An experienced swingman Juris Umbrasko (197-79, currently plays in Estonia) contributed to a BC Rakvere's victory against the closely-ranked Rapla (5-6) 94-84 in the Estonian KML in Friday night's game.
Umbrasko scored 20 points, had 6 rebounds and dished 3 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line).
BC Rakvere Tarvas (11-4) is placed second in the KML.
It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row.
There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical.
Umbrasko is currently eighth on the list of top scorers.
He has very reliable stats this season: 13.8ppg, 6.3rpg, 2.3apg and 1.1spg.
Umbrasko used to play for the Latvian national team
back in 2008.
#5. International point guard Janis Strelnieks (191-89, currently plays in Eurocup) helped his Russian team Spartak St.Petersburg win their game against the closely-ranked Cibona crushing them 93-60 in the Eurocup last Wednesday.
He scored 12 points in 21 minutes.
Spartak St.Petersburgis placed fourth in group K.
This year Strelnieks' total stats are: 5.5ppg and 2.3apg in the six games.
He plays currently for the Latvian national team.
#6. Forward Maris Laksa (205-81, college: Providence, currently plays in Estonia) is a teammate of previously mentioned Juris Umbrasko and both played together in the last Estonian KML game.
Laksa was the main contributor in a BC Rakvere's victory against the closely-ranked Rapla (5-6) 94-84.
He was the best player in that game. Laksa scored 22 points.
Laksa belongs to league's top scorers and is ranked #2.
This season he has very high stats. Laksa averages: 16.2ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.4apg and 1.3spg.
He is a former international player as he played for the Latvian senior team nine years ago.
#7. International point guard Kaspars Vecvagars (193-93, currently plays in Baltic League) helped his Lithuanian team Lietkabelis win their game against the sixth-ranked Liepaja (2-8) crushing them 87-67 in the Baltic League in Tuesday night's game.
Vecvagars recorded 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 26 minutes.
Panevezys Lietkabelis (7-2) is placed second in group B.
His team will play only one more game in the Baltic League Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial.
Vecvagars has averaged so far 7.2ppg, 3.2rpg and 2.2apg in the nine games.
He is also Latvian national team player.
#8. Point guard Edgars Jeromanovs (186-86, currently plays in Sweden), who plays in the Swedish Basketligan could not help Norrkoping Dolphins (11-0) in their last game on Friday. Despite Jeromanovs' very good performance the league leader Norrkoping Dolphins was defeated 82-71 on the road by the league outsider Nassjo (#12).
He was the second best scorer with 16 points. Jeromanovs also added 4 rebounds.
This season Jeromanovs has relatively solid stats: 12.3ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.9apg and 1.1spg.
He plays currently for the Latvian national team.
#9. Former international forward Ivars Timermanis (203-82, currently plays in Romania) helped Ploiesti win their game against the closely-ranked Craiova (9-4) crushing them 116-92 in the Romanian Division A on Sunday night.
Timermanis scored 15 points in 21 minutes.
It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti (8-3) is placed third in the Division A.
It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row.
Timermanis has averaged so far 8.9ppg, 2.6rpg and 1.1apg in the 11 games.
He used to play for the Latvian national team
five years ago.
#10. Swingman Mareks Jurevicus (197-85, currently plays in Italy), who plays in the Italian Lega2 (second division) was not able to help Prima Veroli (3-7) in their last game on Saturday. Despite Jurevicus' very good performance Prima Veroli was defeated 81-71 at home by the second-ranked Biancoblu BO.
He was the second best scorer with 19 points. Jurevicus also added 5 rebounds.
But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen.
This year Jurevicus has very high stats. He averages: 15.8ppg, 4.1rpg, 1.6apg and 1.8spg.
Jurevicus is international player as one years ago he still played for the Latvian senior national team.
#11. International guard Armands Skele (192-83, currently plays in Baltic League) helped his Estonian team Kalev/Cramo win their game against the fourth-ranked KK Parnu 73-60 in the Baltic League last Wednesday.
He scored 9 points, had 5 boards, dished 4 assists and stole 5 balls in 28 minutes.
Skele has averaged so far 6.0ppg, 5.0rpg, 3.5apg and 2.5spg in the two games.
He plays currently for the Latvian national team.
#12. Former international center Andris Biedrins (213-86, currently plays in NBA) managed to help Golden State Warriors to win against the Detroit Pistons 104-97 in the NBA on Wednesday night.
Biedrins scored only 1 points.
Biedrins has averaged so far 0.5ppg and 2.6rpg.
He used to play for the Latvian national team
back in 2009.
#13. Former international guard Edmunds Gabrans (190-79, currently plays in Norway) helped Froya Basket win their game against the closely-ranked Baerum Basket crushing them 103-73 in the Norwegian BLNO in Saturday night's game.
Gabrans was the top player that evening. He had a triple-double by scoring 30 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and passing 10 assists in 37 minutes.
Gabrans is ranked fifth on the list of the top scorers in the league and also on the list of best passers (first place).
He has very impressive stats this year: 18.9ppg, 5.3rpg, 4.5apg and 2.3spg in the 15 games.
Gabrans used to play for the Latvian national team
ten years ago.
#14. International forward Mareks Mejeris (208-91, agency: Players Group, currently plays in Spain), who plays in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) was not able to secure a victory for CB Clavijo (5-5) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his good performance CB Clavijo was defeated 79-74 on the opponent's court by the leading River_Andorra.
Mejeris recorded 14 points.
He has averaged so far 7.8ppg and 4.2rpg.
Mejeris plays currently for the Latvian national team.
#15. Former U18 international guard Edgars Cunda (195-84, currently plays in Baltic League) helped his Estonian team Valga win their game against the closely-ranked Jelgava crushing them 91-70 in the Baltic League on Tuesday night.
He recorded 9 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in 26 minutes.
Cunda has averaged so far 9.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 4.1apg and 1.5spg in the eight games.
He used to play for the Latvian U18 national team
ten years ago.
The list of other players, who all have Latvian passport but never been selected to any of Latvian national teams:
#1.Martins Berkis (198-F-85, agency: TSS Management, currently plays in Hungary) contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider FS Debrecen (0-12) crushing them 93-55 in the Hungarian A Division on Sunday night.
Berkis scored 6 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 30 minutes.
Marso NYKK (4-7) is placed ninth in the A Division.
It was his team's first victory after three consecutive loses.
Berkis has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.4apg and 1.5spg in the 11 games he played so far.
#2.Martins Abele (216-C-90, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to an easy victory against the University of New Orleans 88-70 in the NCAA in Saturday night's game.
Abele scored 7 points, had 6 rebounds and made 2 blocks.
The University of Duquesne has conference record this season.
This year Abele has very high stats. He averages: 15.5ppg, 5.8rpg, 2.4apg and 1.5spg.
#3.Edmunds Tukiss (200-SF-89, currently plays in Germany) managed to help Dragons Rhoendorf in a 2-point victoryagainst the 11th-ranked Leitershofen (3-8) 79-77 in the German ProB (third division) last Sunday.
Tukiss scored 5 points and had 3 steals in 24 minutes.
Dragons Rhoendorf (11-0) is placed first in Group South.
So far his team won all eleven games in the Regular Season.
Tukiss has reliable stats this year: 10.5ppg and 2.7rpg in the 11 games.
#4.Matiss Sakne (191-G-91, currently plays in Denmark) contributed to a Horsens IC's victory against the closely-ranked Vaerlose (5-7) 89-77 in the Danish Ligaen last Thursday.
He scored only 4 points.
Horsens IC (11-4) is placed third in the Ligaen.
Sakne has averaged so far 4.6ppg, 1.3rpg and 1.4apg.
VTB League: Khimky secure the Semifinal berth - May 19, 2013
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VEF Riga - Khimky 60:82
Khimky secure the Semifinal berth in VTB League as they swept the series against VEF Riga. The Russian side posted an 82:60 win in Game 3 and sent Latvian side out of the Play-offs.
The game was mostly controlled by Khimky. VEF Riga was better in fourth quarter 21-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Khimky had a 29-18 advantage in offensive rebounds [read more]
VEF Riga - Khimky 60:82
Khimky secure the Semifinal berth in VTB League as they swept the series against VEF Riga. The Russian side posted an 82:60 win in Game 3 and sent Latvian side out of the Play-offs. The game was mostly controlled by Khimky. VEF Riga was better in fourth quarter 21-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Khimky had a 29-18 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by VEF Riga's players. It was an exceptional evening for James Augustine (208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) who led the winners and scored 16 points and 7 rebounds. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83, agency: Alti Sport) accounted for 14 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Lauris Blaus (204-C-90, agency: FCM) came up with 6 points and 11 rebounds. Will Daniels (203-F-86, college: Rhode Island) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for VEF Riga in the defeat.
Armands Skele clinched the title in Estonia - May 18, 2013
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Armands Skele (192-G-83) wins the title in Estonia as his Kalev/Cramo became the Estonian champion for the third year in a row. In the fourth game Kalev/Cramo posted an 81:69 win for 4-0 in the series.
The game was mostly controlled by Kalev/Cramo. TU/Rock managed to win fourth quarter 25-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded TU/Rock 39-26 including a 31-20 advantage in defensive rebounds [read more]
Armands Skele (192-G-83) wins the title in Estonia as his Kalev/Cramo became the Estonian champion for the third year in a row. In the fourth game Kalev/Cramo posted an 81:69 win for 4-0 in the series. The game was mostly controlled by Kalev/Cramo. TU/Rock managed to win fourth quarter 25-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded TU/Rock 39-26 including a 31-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great shooting night for Kalev/Cramo especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 61.5 percentage. 29 personal fouls committed by TU/Rock helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of U.S. Virgin Islands center Frank Elegar who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds and Ty Abbott who added 16 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Kalev/Cramo players scored in double figures. Armands Skele added 13 points and 5 rebounds. At the losing side Ivan Nelyubov responded with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks and Rain Veideman scored 19 points.
VTB League: Khimki celebrated the second straight win - May 17, 2013
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Khimki-VEF Riga 104:82
Khimki celebrated the second straight win at the VTB League Quarterfinals. The Winner of Group A improved to 2-0 lead in the series after a 104:82 win in Game 2.
Both teams scored 27 points each in the first period as VEF Riga looked better in comparison with the first game. Khimki however pushed the tempo in the second quarter and after 30-20 surge took 10-point halftime advantage. Moreover the second half also belonged to the home side [read more]
Khimki-VEF Riga 104:82
Khimki celebrated the second straight win at the VTB League Quarterfinals. The Winner of Group A improved to 2-0 lead in the series after a 104:82 win in Game 2. Both teams scored 27 points each in the first period as VEF Riga looked better in comparison with the first game. Khimki however pushed the tempo in the second quarter and after 30-20 surge took 10-point halftime advantage. Moreover the second half also belonged to the home side. The Russian team posted a 21-19 rally in the third quarter and finished the game with 26-16 surge at the end. Vitaliy Fridzon (195-G-85, agency: Alti Sport) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and K.C. Rivers (196-G-87, college: Clemson) as well as Zoran Planinic (198-G-82, agency: XL Basketball Agency) added 14 each. Petteri Koponen (194-PG-88) followed them with 12 points in a win. Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) posted 20 points in the losing effort and Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh) scored 19.
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