BK Liepāja explained

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BK Liepāja
Leagues:Latvian–Estonian Basketball League
Latvian Basketball League
History:Liepājas Metalurgs
Baltika/Kaija
BK Liepāja
Līvu alus/Liepāja
Liepājas Lauvas
Betsafe/Liepāja
BK Liepāja
Arena:Liepāja Olympic Center
Capacity:2542
Location:Liepāja, Latvia
Colors:Dark blue, white and black
President: Āris Ozoliņš
Manager: Normunds Atvars
Coach: Artūrs Visockis-Rubenis
Website:liepajasbasketbols.lv
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BK Liepāja is a professional basketball club in Liepāja, Latvia playing in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League and Latvian Basketball League.

History

Basketball team in the city of Liepāja was first founded in 1991, just after Latvia regained independence from Soviet Union. During the years team changed names, according to sponsorships. Previous team names were Liepājas Metalurgs, Baltika/Kaija, BK Liepāja, Līvu alus/Liepāja, Liepājas Lauvas, Liepāja/Triobet.

The club was dissolved in 2018 and was replaced by Liepājas Basketbols.[1] Team has a strong bond with the local basketball school.

Liepāja team's greatest achievement in Latvian Basketball League is gained second place in 1997, but in 2000, 2011 and 2012 team won the third place.

Since 2020, with the hiring of Latvian National team assistant and 2018 FIBA U18 European Championship silver medalist Artūrs Visockis-Rubenis as their head coach, BK Liepāja focuses on building teams around new talents.

In 2021/2022 season BK Liepāja made their international debut, competing in newly founded European North Basketball League. Liepāja won one of five games and finished the tournament at 5th place.

During the 2022/2023 season Liepāja won the bronze medal in Latvian league. Many players established themselves for the next level. After an excellent season with Liepāja, Kārlis Šiliņš signed in German Bundesliga. Renārs Birkāns signed with 10-time Latvian champion BK Ventspils.

Players

Depth chart

Season by season

SeasonLeaguePos.Baltic LeaguePos.Latvian-Estonian LeaguePos.
1991–92LBL8th
1992–93LBL8th
1993–94LBL11th
1994–95LBL9th
1995–96LBL7th
1996–97LBL2nd
1997–98LBL5th
1998–99LBL5th
1999–00LBL3rd
2000–01LBL4th
2001–02LBL7th
2002–03LBL4th
2003–04LBL5th
2004–05LBL5thChallenge Cup5th
2005–06LBL6thElite Division13th
2006–07LBL4th
2007–08LBL6thChallenge Cup4th
2008–09LBL6thChallenge Cup8th
2009–10LBL5thElite Division9th
2010–11LBL3rdElite Division12th
2011–12LBL3rdElite Division14th
2012–13LBL9thRegular season
2013–14LBL6thRound of 16
2014–15LBL4thRound of 16
2015–16LBL4thQuarterfinalist
2016–17LBL6thQuarterfinalist
2017–18LBL8thRegular season
2018–19LBL7th13th
2019–20LBL7thcancelled
2020–21LBL3rd7th
2021–226th12th
2022–233rd10th
2023–244th11th

Notable players

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ate papildina "Liepājas basketbols" komandas rindas. IRLiepaja.lv. lv. 29 July 2018. 22 July 2018.