# Latvian basketball national and club developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/latvian-basketball-national-and-club-developments
> Updated: 2026-08-10T05:29:30.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Latvian basketball has seen developments at both the national and club levels. The men’s national team improved its FIBA world ranking to 12th place following qualification victories against the Netherlands and Austria. As the team prepares for the second round of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers against Croatia and Israel, head coach Jānis Gailītis confirmed that Artūrs Žagars will be unavailable for the upcoming window.

In club activities, VEF Riga has bolstered its roster by signing Polish champion Ojar Silin and American guard Caleb Asberry. Rīgas Zeļļi also strengthened its squad with the signing of American guard Ben Schungh. Additionally, player Roberts Blumbergs announced a move to the Spanish ACB league with Zaragoza and addressed controversies regarding players represented by the BSA Basketball agency signing with teams in Russia.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Latvian basketball: Club transfers and national team updates

Latvian basketball news: VEF Rīga and Rīgas Zeļļi announce new player signings, while the national team prepares for World Cup qualifiers following Artūrs Žagars' absence.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rgas-zei-signs-american-guard-ben-shungu

### 2026-07-19: Latvian basketball climbs FIBA ranking as VEF Riga signs Polish champion Ojar Silin

Latvia's men’s team rose to 12th in the FIBA world ranking, and VEF Riga signed Polish champion Ojar Silin.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/latvian-basketball-climbs-fiba-ranking-as-vef-riga-signs-polish-champion-ojar-silin

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Cite as: Latvian basketball national and club developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/latvian-basketball-national-and-club-developments