After catching the scalp of France and Spain, Latvia won Thursday against Italy by Gigi Datome. Future retired international, the Italian winger was won over by the basketball offered by the Latvians. He is not the first in this competition, but the former Pelicans player seems to have been blown away.
“We had a lot of ups and downs, while playing better. Latvia is a great team, not in terms of names but for the level of basketball displayed” specifies Datome, questioned by Eurohoops. “They’re playing really well and it’s no coincidence that they finished in the Top 8: they beat some of the best teams in this World Cup. »
Latvia will even finish in the Top 6, as at Euro 2017. A feat for this independent country since 1990, which is celebrating its first participation in a world competition.
“Just like us, it’s one of the surprises of the World Cup. They play magnificent basketball: with great actions, good ideas, good reading…” continues Datome. “They have players who are aware of their role, with some essentials. They did a good job, it was their first time at a World Cup. It’s already a success, and entering the Top 8 is extraordinary”.
