Davis Bertans proud of Latvia's World Cup run

Latvia’s 81-79 loss to Germany may signify the end of their Cinderella run in the FIBA World Cup, but it could also signal the start of bigger things for their basketball program.

In their first appearance in the FIBA World Cup, the Latvians finished at the top eight.

“For Latvia, this is kind of first appointment with such a high-level basketball. We show our players, our style, and identity,” Latvia head coach Luca Banchi said.

Their journey to the quarterfinals, in itself, was something to marvel at.

In the first round, they beat a formidable French team that had 3-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and veteran Evan Fournier.

NBA forward Davis Bertans described this victory, which booted France from the competition, as their biggest since 1935, when they won their first EuroBasket championship. 

Come second round, they took down defending champion Spain in comeback fashion.

As Bertans would put it, they fought hard every game.

“I’m extremely proud of this team, battling every single game. I think we put ourselves in a position to win, not because of any individual player, but because of we played like a team. We played the right way,” he expressed.

The quarterfinals game was also a display of resilience, much like their biggest victories, as they clawed their way back after being down 12 points in the fourth quarter. These comeback attempts are representations of the whole tournament for them, so far.

Just a few days before opening day, it was announced that their star and focal piece Kristaps Porzingis would not participate due to a foot injury. Then, after just playing two games, captain Dairis Bertans, went down with a hamstring injury that ruled him out the rest of the way.

Despite major roster setbacks, Latvia found a way to win consistently, even against predicted powerhouse teams.

“Coming here, the only goal was to give everything. Our captain, my brother, he had a message to the fans that we’ll do everything in our power to every single game. And I don’t think there’s a single guy in the locker room that hasn’t given everything,” Bertans said.

They stayed true to their promise and shocked the world with their on-court performances.

With their medal hopes crumbling, Latvia stays committed to bringing home the best result possible.

“Number one motivation right now is to win the next two games.”

Latvia will face Italy this afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena for the classification games.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News