Latvia has announced the final roster of 12 players who will be traveling to the World Cup, and it does not include Janis Timma.
Timma, who boasts rich EuroLeague and G League experience, was dropped from the list following Latvia’s defeat to Lithuania, where they lost 93-69. In that game, the guard recorded 8 points and 5 personal fouls.
Alongside him, Mareks Mejeris, a Cluj player who also had a modest contribution in the same match, has been omitted from the roster. He finished the game with only 6 points.
Latvia 🔜 @FIBAWC #TrīsZvaigznes pic.twitter.com/kWt5zAEa1g
— Latvijas Basketbola savienība (@basketbols) August 22, 2023
Of course, the biggest setback for the Latvian team is the absence of Kristaps Porzingis. The new Boston Celtics player will not participate in the FIBA World Cup due to a condition called plantar fasciitis, causing heel pain.
In their debut appearance at the World Cup, Latvia will travel to Jakarta with the following roster: Rodions Kurucs, Kristers Zoriks, Arturs Zagars, Arturs Kurucs, Davis Bertans, Dairis Bertans, Rolands Smits, Arturs Strautins, Klavs Cavars, Aigars Skele, Andrejs Grazulis, Anzejs Pasecniks.
Under the guidance of coach Luka Banchi, Latvia will make its World Cup debut against the teams of Lebanon, Canada, and France in Group H. All matches of this group will be held in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. The World Cup is scheduled from August 25th to September 10th and will take place in Japan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.