2018 Lee G Edgars Kaufmanis talks senior season, playing for Latvia and more
Edgars Kaufmanis arrived in the United States in September. The 2018 6’4″ combo guard has played basketball in Latvia since the age of 4. He wrapped up his high school work there but came over to Maine Lee to gain…
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Continue ReadingEdgars Kaufmanis arrived in the United States in September.
The 2018 6’4″ combo guard has played basketball in Latvia since the age of 4. He wrapped up his high school work there but came over to Maine Lee to gain exposure in the hopes of playing at the next level and earn a college degree in the United States.
He’s been on the Latvian National team for the last three summers, U16 in 2015 and U18 in 2016 and 2017.
Kaufmanis played in three European Championships against the top players his age from Europe.
In 2015, he averaged 7.0 PPG, 1.6 RPG and 1.6 APG per game on the U16 group. A year later, he played a more defensive-minded role as a 17-year-old playing with all 18-year-olds.
“In that championship, Frank Ntilikina won the MVP. He is now playing for the Knicks and is the best in the NBA in steals and steals per game,” he said. “In 2017 summer I was playing as a leader again with my age players. Averaging 10 points a game I was the best in the team in this category. I also averaged 2.6 rebounds, 1.3. assists, 1.3 steals and shot 90 percent from the free throw line.”
Over the past two and a half months, Kaufmanis has been playing for Lee Academy Prep in Maine.
“I can feel my knowledge on the court which came from practicing with the pros. We run a lot more here than in Latvia, but the practices are as hard,” he said. “The game is a lot faster and the players and more athletic. I would like to get more athletic this year and improve my handles so that if the coach needs me I can play point guard in college with no problem.
“The 3-point line is closer than in Europe. That makes it easier for me to shoot. Lee Academy has a lot of guys who work hard and want to play. They bring their competitiveness to every practice. This is definitely a good place to improve.”
It is rare to find a player with this much experience at age 18. Kaufmanis has seen it all up to this point. Gaining more speed and knowledge of the American game will help him further prepare himself for the next level. Colleges will start coming for this kid soon. No doubt.
Photo credit: FIBA