Jānis Bērziņš (basketball)


Jānis Bērziņš is a Latvian professional basketball player for Stelmet Zielona Góra of the Polish League. Standing at 2.02 m he plays at the small forward position.

Professional career

Jānis Bērziņš started his pro career in 2009 with Valmiera. He played there for next two seasons when he joined VEF Rīga, signing a multiyear contract. After his first season with VEF he was loaned back to Valmiera. Bērziņš had very successful 2012–2013 campaign. First he played major role for Valmiera, that won Latvian League bronze medals, which was followed by invitation to participate in Adidas Eurocamp, which was held in Treviso, Italy.
In August 2013, after an impressive showing with Latvian team in U20 European Championship, Bērziņš signed an extension with VEF Rīga. He also had contract offer from Spanish powerhouse Barcelona, but instead chose Riga as best place for his development.
On July 2, 2020, he has signed with Stelmet Zielona Góra of the Polish League.

Latvian National Team

Jānis has played for Latvian U16, U18 and U20 National Team as well as Senior National Team. In July 2013, Bērziņš was big part of Latvia's historic run at U20 European Championship in Tallinn, Estonia, which was highlighted by making finals, while Jānis was named to All-Tournament team.