Former NBA sharpshooter Davis Bertans has openly praised head coach Luca Banchi, crediting him for transforming Latvia into a true force on the international basketball stage.
Speaking with Giorgos Kyriakidis of BasketNews, Bertans emphasized just how impactful Banchi’s tenure has been in shaping the national team’s rise in recent years.
EuroBasket 2025 will mark Banchi’s final tournament at the helm of Latvia, and for Bertans, the coach’s legacy is already cemented.
“Few coaches have left such a visible imprint in such a short span,” Bertans said. “Under his leadership, Latvia not only shed its underdog label but also carved out a new identity – one built on collective confidence, tactical sharpness, and the belief that no opponent was beyond reach.”
Since taking over in 2021, Banchi has guided Latvia through one of the most successful periods in its basketball history.
From impressive runs in international competitions to redefining the team’s culture, his impact has gone beyond X’s and O’s, instilling a sense of belief and unity that has made Latvia a respected contender across Europe.
As the team prepares for EuroBasket, Banchi’s departure looms as both a challenge and a motivation – a final opportunity for Latvia to showcase just how far they’ve come under his watch.
