SB Nation User Blog: zvz

Andris Biedrins conditionally disqualified from Latvian National Team

zvz — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 08:34:00 -0000

Last week Latvian sports media were shaken with an announcement from a Latvian Basketball Union (LBU). Namely, after a disappointing start in European Championships (team did not qualify for the 2nd round, 1W-2L) and when everyone expected sacking of the head coach, the LBU held a council meeting and after 5 hours issued the following sentence.

A.Biedrins to be conditionally disqualified from the National Team of Latvia for a term of 1 year. Another 4 starting players were disqualified along with him (terms and conditions differ).

What this means is - if AB joins the team for a training camp (qualifying tournament is starting next year), and "demonstrates unprofessional conduct" he shall be asked to leave the team.

Why was the decision carried out? Apparently he, along with 4 other players were "living it up" during the training camp, rather than focusing his energy on helping the team become better, and ultimately win a game or two more than the team managed in the Eurobasket...

If you wish, I can supply with details as to the rumored unsportsmanslike conducts that took place during the training camp. Of course, there hasn't been an official statement from AB. Which is why I decided to post this and sort of degrade his image a bit overseas. Hopefully, a US journalist will ask him what happened and how does AB feel about this, because apparently he refused a comment to Latvian media.

Biedrins - a captain!

zvz — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:28:23 -0000

Biedrins - a captain!

Surprising news to me! Didn't know or expect him to to be capable of such a role on an NBA team.

Congrats!

REPORT: Latvia - Lithuania 84:83

zvz — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 06:35:32 -0000

Great game, great result for Latvian national team that beat Lithuania only for the 5th time out of 15 meetings!

The players were raining threes, one of those decided the winner at the buzzer - seriously close back-and-forth game, although it didn't have to be - 3min before the end of regulation Latvia was up +12, a couple of stupid turnovers, and Lithuanian threes, and the game became close in the final stages.

Biedrins' presence was felt the most at times when he was on the bench - without him there was no rebounding, and during Biedrins' absence Lithuania closed the gap several times. Biedrins fouled out with about 2 minutes to play. Was very effective on defense - 1 block, many changed shots, but wasn't productive on offense. First of all, hats off to Lithuanian frontline (that is one of the strongest in Europe - Songaila, Javtokas, Lavrinovich brothers) - Biedrins was pressured all game, and subsequently got the ball only a couple of times. When he did get the ball on 1-on-1 situations he lost it on most occasions (5 turnovers, 1 assist passing out of double team).

Latvian guards guaranteed Latvia stays in the game with a great 3-pointer percentage 14/29, most notable Janicenoks (playing in Italy A Liga)

As for Jasikevicius, he had some sparks on offense (6 assists), was clutch in the closing minutes hitting 3-of-4 free throws (80:83), but overall he was far from his top shape.

Lithuanians Songaila and Siskauskas kept their team in game, with each one of them hitting a couple 3-pointers in the closing minutes of the game, and pulling their team within reach of a win.

Here's a link for box score:
http://www.basket.lv/viriesu_izlase/protokols/5409

And low quality highlights:
http://esports.risinajumi.lv/temp/Basketbols/lat_liet_04_08_07.mpg