By Rafal Juc
Latvian Davis Bertans (’92) pushes forward another step in his career. 20-year old sharpshooter is preparing currently with senior national team to EuroBasket 2013 qualifications. We talked to him during Sopot Basket Cup 2012. In November 2010 Bertans signed multi-year contract with KK Union Olimpija and following April showcased his skills at Nike Hoop Summit, drawing attention of NBA scouts. In effect, Latvian prospect was selected with 42nd overall pick by Indiana Pacers, but immediately transferred to San Antonio Spurs. After many ups and downs in Slovenian powerhouse, Bertans decided to change environment and on 4 January 2011 signed three-and-half-year contract with Partizan Belgrade.
"This past year was really tough for me. I started season in Olimpija Lublana, but we had really serious issues and most of best players left the team. So when I got offer from Partizan Belgrade, I was considering it too much. It was easy choice. I feel really exciting about upcoming season. Management of Partizan made some great transfers and I will play with some promising youngsters like Leo Westermann or Nenad Miljenovic. We can combine really interesting backcourt and play on high level in Europe", explains Bertans.
Already well-known and successful at youth level, Latvian sharpshooter did not help his homeland at European Championship U20, where talented 1992-born Latvian generation finished on 6th place. Nonetheless, this year’s summer is really busy for talented forward. Bertans spent one week in San Antonio and started preparations with senior national team.
"I am really happy that finally I landed in Spurs. I spent one weak earlier this summer in San Antonio and had great impressions. I like atmosphere as well as coaching staff. Now I have long-term contract in Belgrade, so tough to say when I will be able to move to NBA. Now I am focused on this year’s summer. Preparing to qualifications of EuroBasket 2013 is nice and really interesting experience. We work hard, because our only goal is to qualify and hope I will be able to help my team to reach this goal", talks Latvian.
The most popular NBA comparison for 20-year old Bertans is Dirk Nowitzki. Latvian prospect with his 6-10 and well filled out frame possesses great size. He is sharpshooter with excellent shooting mechanics, impressing with extremely high and quick release. Coming off the screens, Bertans thanks to his brilliant catch-and-shoot ability is really dangerous weapon. At this stage of development Latvian needs to work mostly on his defensive skills, while due to lack of solid jump and explosiveness as well as decent footwork is only average defender.
Twitter of the author: @rafjuc
Photo: pzkosz.pl
