BBL.net sat down with Latvian prospect Janis Berzins (202-F-93, agency: Players Group), who snatched up the Player of the Month honors for the month of January to talk about his improving game and the upsurge of Valmiera in the Top 16 round.

Having become the youngest player to claim the award this season, the 19-year-old forward from Latvia was happy about the opportunity to be playing big minutes in Valmiera, but acknowledged that there is still a long road ahead to success.

First of all, congratulations on winning the award. What do you think has been the main key to the improvement for you personally and the team as the whole in the month of January?

Thanks for the congratulations. It's a real honour for me. I didn't earn this award alone and these congratulations must be directed to the entire team. It would be impossible without my teammates and the coach, who put effort in order to succeed. We look to every game as it will be our last one - we don't sort opponents and prepare ourselves to fight at the highest level all the time. January in BBL was successful. I would like to point out the victory against one of the top Lithuanian team Siauliai on the home court. This win was big and emotional.

You finished the regular season on a quite bad stretch, but managed to take the first two games in the Top 16. Is this going to be a boost of extra confidence for the team?

I must agree - the first round was really tough. Every team in BBL is competitive and must be respected. The weekend when we succeeded in both games over Sakalai and Siauliai was terrific. We are young team and such victories increase the level of confidence to keep winning streak alive.

What were the goals for the team coming into the season? Now, that you started the second round very well, how far do you think you can go in BBL?

The goals before the season were to be one of the top 8 teams in BBL, but primarily qualify for the next round and fight for the medals in the Latvian Basketball League. Currently, we are on the right track and both personally and team-wise, we will do all it takes to reach the goals.

How would you describe yourself as a player? What would you name as your strengths and weaknesses?

I have always thought that the most objective evaluation can be given from people aside - it's difficult to assess myself. From my point of view, I feel comfortable in offensive basketball and during the season I have worked hard to improve my defensive skills. I am looking forward to find the right balance in order to be equally productive on offense and on defense. I still have to work a lot to become a great basketball player.

You did not have a big role with VEF last season, during the summer you played behind Janis Timma and Ojars Silins in the U20 national team. Are you enjoying being one of the key players on the team?

First of all, regarding to my previous season on VEF Riga roster, I gained a lot of experience. Even though my playing time was limited, during my minutes on court and in the training process against such a great sparing partners as Kristaps Janicenoks, Sandis Valters and Gatis Jahovics, I learnt a lot. It is immeasurable. Furthermore, I truly appreciate the help and advice from coaches Ramunas Butautas and Nikolajs Mazurs.

Regarding to U20 performance, we ended up in a high 6^th place in the European Championship. In such championship, I was a year younger than the majority of players and my role was to be back up player for Janis Timma. I am thankful to coach Roberts Stelmahers for trusting me in clutch episodes. My personal opinion is I didn't show my best and it motivates to work even harder. Furthermore, I enjoyed coach Stelmahers' work and professionalism - I see him as one of the best new coaches in our region.

Would it be safe to say that the loan move to Valmiera was the right decision? How are you finding working with coach Krumins?

Personally, I think it was right move - VEF Riga is one of the leading teams in Eurocup and regarding to current roster my playing time could have been limited. Mutually with the boards of VEF Riga and BK Valmiera, we agreed that playing a significant role in BBL and LBL would be the best for my development. Furthermore, Varis Krumins is professional coach for young players - it was an important aspect of making my decision.

What are your plans for the nearest future - will you be looking to come back to VEF and crack the rotation or are there other thoughts on your mind?

Right now, I don't want to focus on such thoughts. The most important thing right now is to concentrate to every game and work hard at practices in order to reach goals. I will be happy to discuss right after the season.

What are those goals you set yourself for a long-term perspective?

As every player, I have set the highest goals for myself, but I will keep it as secret. In order to succeed, I must work really hard. I am ready to do all it takes and it is the most important thing. Only hard work and the right attitude can bring you success.

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