Jānis Bērziņš (basketball)

Jānis Bērziņš (born May 4, 1993) is a Latvian professional basketball player for Larisa of the Greek Basket League. Standing at 2.02 m (6 ft 8 in) he plays at the small forward position.

Jānis Bērziņš
No. 31 – Larisa
PositionSmall forward
LeagueGreek Basket League
Personal information
Born (1993-05-04) 4 May 1993
Limbaži, Latvia
NationalityLatvian
Listed height6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight212 lb (96 kg)
Career information
NBA draft2015 / Undrafted
Playing career2009–present
Career history
2009–2011BK Valmiera
2011–2012VEF Rīga
2012–2013→ BK Valmiera
2013–2016VEF Rīga
2016–2017Orlandina Basket
2018–2020Ventspils
2020–2021Stelmet Zielona Góra
2021–2022Baxi Manresa
2022–presentLarisa
Career highlights and awards
Medals
Men's Basketball
Representing  Latvia
FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship
2013 Estonia National Team

Professional career

Jānis Bērziņš who in childhood was raised in Latvian most northern town Rūjiena started his professional career in 2009 with BK Valmiera. He played there for two seasons until he joined VEF Rīga, signing a multiyear contract. After his first season with VEF he was loaned back to Valmiera. Bērziņš had very successful 2012–2013 campaign. First he played major role for Valmiera, that won Latvian League bronze medals, which was followed by invitation to participate in Adidas Eurocamp, which was held in Treviso, Italy.

In August 2013, after an impressive showing with Latvian team in U20 European Championship, Bērziņš signed an extension with VEF Rīga.[1] He also had contract offer from Spanish powerhouse Barcelona,[2] but instead chose Riga as best place for his development.

On July 2, 2020, he has signed with Stelmet Zielona Góra of the Polish League.[3]

On July 16, 2021, he signed with Baxi Manresa of the Spanish Liga ACB.[4]

Latvian National Team

Jānis has played for Latvian U16, U18 and U20 National Team as well as Senior National Team. In July 2013, Bērziņš was big part of Latvia's historic run at U20 European Championship in Tallinn, Estonia, which was highlighted by making finals, while Jānis was named to All-Tournament team.[5]

References
  1. Euroleague.net
  2. Gigantes.es
  3. "Janis Berzins signs with Stelmet Zielona Gora". Sportando. July 2, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  4. "Janis Berzins signs with Baxi Manresa". Sportando. July 16, 2021. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
  5. FIBA Europe
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