Latvian Basketball Veteran Lauris Blaus Finds New Home with Ogre
In a move reflecting the ongoing conflict’s impact on Ukrainian sports,Latvian basketball standout lauris Blaus has inked a deal with the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League’s (LIBL) Ogre team. The announcement, made via Ogre’s Facebook page on Saturday, marks Blaus’s return to the league after a stint with Odessa in Ukraine.
Blaus’s decision to join Ogre is part of a larger exodus of foreign players seeking opportunities outside Ukraine due to the current geopolitical climate. This season, Blaus averaged a respectable 6.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in the Ukrainian championship, showcasing his continued prowess on the court.
This isn’t Blaus’s first encounter with Odessa. He previously donned the team’s jersey in the 2018 Ukrainian championship, contributing 11 points and 6 rebounds per game across nine appearances.
Blaus’s basketball odyssey has seen him traverse various leagues and countries, honing his skills and leaving his mark on multiple teams. His 2020/2021 season with LIBL’s parnu Sadam saw him average 8.3 points and 5.4 rebounds in just over 21 minutes per game, demonstrating his efficiency and impact.
Since 2019, Estonia has become a familiar stomping ground for Blaus, where he has consistently delivered strong performances. Before venturing into Estonian basketball, Blaus established himself in Latvia, representing teams like VEF Rīga, Liepāja, and Valmiera / ORDO. Notably, he secured Latvian championship titles with both VEF Rīga in 2013 and Valmiera in 2016, cementing his legacy in Latvian basketball history.
Blaus’s international experience extends beyond Latvia and Estonia, encompassing stints in Lithuania and Poland. He also proudly donned the Latvian national team jersey in 2011, representing his contry in four kind matches and contributing 12 points.
Blaus joins fellow Odessa alumnus Tom Leimanis, who recently signed with Klaipeda’s Neptune team, further highlighting the ripple effect of the Ukrainian situation on player movement. While Odessa finished the Ukrainian championship in tenth place out of twelve teams, securing ten victories in thirty games, Ogre currently occupies sixth place in the LIBL standings with eleven wins in nineteen games. This move presents blaus with a fresh prospect to contribute to a competitive team and continue his remarkable basketball journey.
“Finding prospect Amidst Adversity: A Conversation with Lauris Blaus”
Welcome back, basketball fans.Today, we have a true Latvian hoops legend, Lauris Blaus, joining us. Lauris, thanks for taking the time.
Lauris: It’s a pleasure to be here.
Moderator: Your career has seen you traverse leagues and countries.Let’s talk about your recent move to Ogre. You’ve played for Odessa in Ukraine before; what prompted the decision to return to the LIBL?
Lauris: It wasn’t an easy decision.I enjoyed my time in Odessa. However,the current situation in Ukraine makes it difficult to continue playing there. Ogre offered me a great opportunity to continue my career in a stable environment and compete at a high level.
Moderator: You’ve said you’ll be joining fellow Odessa alumnus Tom Leimanis in the LIBL. Do you think the ongoing conflict will cause a larger exodus of players from Ukraine? What are your thoughts on the broader impact on Ukrainian basketball?
Lauris: I believe it’s likely we’ll see more players seeking opportunities elsewhere. The situation is incredibly challenging and full of uncertainty for athletes wanting to pursue their careers. It’s undeniably a setback for Ukrainian basketball, disrupting the league’s growth and perhaps hindering the progress of talented young players.
Moderator: You’ve had impressive stints in Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland. Do you find adjusting to different leagues challenging?
lauris: Every league has its unique style and characteristics. I enjoy the challenge of adapting my gameplay and learning from different coaching styles. Each experience has made me a more well-rounded player.
Moderator: You’ve won Latvian championships with both VEF Rīga and Valmiera. How do you reflect on those successes, and how crucial are those titles to your legacy?
Lauris: Those championship wins were incredibly special moments in my career. They represent the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. They hold a notable place in my heart, and I’m incredibly proud of those achievements.
Moderator: You’ve also represented the Latvian national team. what was that experience like, and how important is international competition for player development?
Lauris: Representing Latvia on the international stage was an honor. It provided invaluable experience playing against some of the world’s best players and learning from different coaching philosophies. international competition is crucial for any aspiring player’s development.
Moderator: Lauris, thank you for sharing your insights. To our readers, what are your thoughts on
Lauris Blaus’ return to the LIBL and the impact of the Ukrainian conflict on basketball? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
