By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The storied basketball journey of Dairis Bertans has officially transitioned into a new executive era.
Starting from Monday, the long-time captain of the senior national team of Latvia is stepping off the court to begin work as the sports director for the entire Latvian men’s national team system. In this role, he takes command of national team management spanning from the under-14 age group all the way up to the senior national squad. His responsibilities focus heavily on critical sporting aspects, including the formation and long-term development of the national team, improving results, and establishing a baseline for achieving the Latvian Basketball Association’s highest goals.
The appointment represents a natural progression of his lifelong dedication to his country’s basketball culture. Addressing his move to the front office, the Valmiera native shared his enthusiasm for the path ahead. “I am very happy and pleasantly excited about the opportunity to join the LBS team,” he said. “The national team has been and is my favorite team, so I really appreciate the opportunity to continue helping both the men’s national team and the development of Latvian basketball.”
Ilggadējais 🇱🇻 Latvijas vīriešu basketbola valstsvienības spēlētājs un kapteinis Dairis Bertāns 1. jūnijā sācis darbu Latvijas vīriešu izlašu sporta direktora amatā. ✅
🏀 Viņa atbildības lokā būs visa vīriešu izlašu saimniecība no U14 vecuma līdz valstsvienībai, īpašu uzmanību… pic.twitter.com/QMtosRoIbU
— Latvijas Basketbola savienība (@basketbols) June 1, 2026
Through a career that included a 12-game stint in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans, 123 appearances in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, and 13 Basketball Champions League games with VEF Riga over the last three years, Bertans absorbed invaluable organizational knowledge at the sport’s highest levels.
“During my playing career, I have had the great opportunity to work in world-class organizations with excellent coaches, team managers, and staff,” he explained. “I am confident that this experience will help me create an environment where players, coaches, and staff can achieve the highest goals. At the same time, by getting involved and developing the next generation of basketball players to ensure the sustainability of Latvian basketball.”
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