VEF Riga has won four of five and team captain Janis Blums was recently selected for the All-Star Game in Sochi.
The Latvian star talks about the reasons for VEF’s success this season and his new role on the team, his personal three-point and free-throw records, competing in the three-point contest and Latvia’s talented new generation of basketball players.
– VEF is comfortably in 6th place. What were expectations to start the season?
– You know, I thought we could get this kind of result. We wanted to be right behind the powerhouse clubs in the standings and compete in every game. We did a pretty good job of that in the first half of the season. Now we need to keep rolling.
– What’s your secret to success?
– We have a pretty balanced, strong roster this season. There are Latvian national team players on the squad that form the nucleus. We work hard in practice to improve our communication and execution. I think that’s the biggest part. We also give 100% effort in every game.
– VEF is one of the League’s top rebounding teams. Is that part of your strategy?
– It all depends on desire and toughness. Those are huge when you’re battling on the glass. VEF has a lot of young athletic guys that don’t want to back down to anyone.
– This is your 3rd season in the League, while VEF is your 3rd team. What was it like playing for Lietuvos Rytas and Astana?
– Even though the teams and cities were very different, there were a lot of similarities, especially the flights across Russia and playing against Europe’s top teams.
There were some things I wasn’t used to in Astana. The flights were really long. It was also tough to get used to the time zone, especially for visiting teams in Astana. That was our wild card; we were often more prepared physically than our opponent.
– Are you a mentor to the other guys in the locker room, given that you’re 34?
– We’re equals. I might share some advice and point things out on occasion, but I wouldn’t say I do it often.
– You’re leading VEF in scoring. Is this the peak of your career?
– It’s more that I’ve got a different role at VEF than before. I can be more aggressive, get the ball more, shoot more and run the offense. Earlier, I had to do a lot of dirty work on defense and wait for my shot. Plus, I’m trying to create more opportunities for my teammates in Riga.
– You’re a shooter. What’s your personal record for 3-pointers in a game?
– I’ve never done anything crazy in a game. I think eight is the most. But I hit 77 straight once in practice. My free-throw record is 144 in a row.
– You were picked to play in the League’s 1st-ever All-Star Game. What do you expect from the game?
– I know that it will be a big deal in Russia. I’m sure the event organizers will have a lot of surprises for the fans and everyone will have a great time watching the celebrities and basketball stars. Plus, the game will be in Sochi, which is kind of like Russia’s Las Vegas. I think everything will be done at a high level and I’ll be very happy to be involved.
– In your opinion, who will win: the Russian Stars or World Stars?
– We’ll see. The most important thing at an All-Star Game is having fun and making the fans happy. But I think the game will be interesting and unpredictable.
– You’re also competing in the three-point contest. Broekhoff, Gray, Harper, Ukhov, Boungou-Colo: Who do you think is your biggest competition?
– I haven’t analyzed my opponents yet. I’ll just try to enjoy the atmosphere in Sochi and get in a rhythm with my shot. I’ve participated in a lot of events like this and a lot depends on luck. Usually the person who can handle the pressure best ends up winning.
– There’s almost two weeks until the All-Star Game. On Sunday, Khimki visits Riga. Do you think you can beat them again like you did in week one?
– Khimki didn’t have Alexey Shved in the first game. He’s their leader. Plus, it was the start of the season and some of their players hadn’t adapted yet to their new team. As for the game in Riga, we’re in good shape coming in and I think we can beat Khimki again.
– There’s been a lot of talk about Latvia’s basketball boom. Everyone knows Kristaps Porzingis and Davis Bertans from the NBA. Who else jumps out from the new generation?
– I’d say Janis Timma, Janis Strelnieks and Dairis Bertans. They’re next in line. I don’t know the younger guys that well, but I’m confident Latvia has a lot of talented players that could be added to the list.
