Jānis Bērziņš (basketball)

Jānis Bērziņš

No. 31 – VEF Rīga
Position	Small forward
League	LBL VTB
Personal information
Born	(1993-05-04) 4 May 1993 Limbaži, Latvia
Nationality	Latvian
Listed height	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight	212 lb (96 kg)
Career information
NBA draft	2015 / Undrafted
Playing career	2009–present
Career history
2009–2011	BK Valmiera
2011–2012	VEF Rīga
2012–2013	→BK Valmiera (loan)
2013–present	VEF Rīga
Career highlights and awards
2× LBL champion (2012, 2015)
Medals Men's Basketball Representing Latvia FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship 2013 Estonia National Team

Jānis Bērziņš (born May 4, 1993) is a Latvian professional basketball player, who is currently playing for VEF Rīga. He is 2.02 m (6 ft 8 in) and 96 kg (212 lbs) small forward.

Professional career

Jānis Bērziņš started his pro career in 2009 with Valmiera. He played there for next two seasons when 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. He also had contract offer from Spanish powerhouse Barcelona, but instead chose Riga as best place for his development.

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.

External links

• Eurobasket Profile