By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Latvian Basketball Association (LBS) has named Spanish coach Sito Alonso as the next head coach of the men’s national team. He will succeed Luca Banchi and take over after EuroBasket 2025, leading the team into the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, which begin in November.
Alonso was selected over Jānis Gailītis following evaluations by the LBS Coaches Commission, whose recommendation was approved by the LBS board.
“Sito has years of experience in Spain’s top league and has worked with Latvian players. After EuroBasket, our team will need new energy, and we believe he can provide that,” said LBS President Raimonds Vējonis.
Alonso (49) has coached in the Spanish ACB League since 2008, leading teams such as Joventut, Bilbao, Baskonia, Barcelona, and currently Murcia, who reached the ACB League final last season. He also coached Spain’s U20 national team to bronze in 2013 and was an assistant for the senior team at the 2014 World Cup.
The World Cup qualifying draw will take place on May 13 in Doha.