Czech Republic big man receiving high-major interest
Last year, Omer Yurtseven and Lauri Markkanen both declined professional contracts and made the move from overseas to the college hardwood. Next year, Roberts Blumbergs is likely to do just the same.
A 6-foot-10 big man that originally hails from Latvia, Blumbergs impressed over the weekend playing with his GB Academy program at the National Prep School Invitational. Sporting a college-ready body and a pretty refined skillset from 20-feet and in, Blumbergs has already picked up major interest as Georgia Tech, Nevada, Grand Canyon, Creighton, Auburn and Seton Hall have begun to stand out.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
Born and raised in Ventspils, Latvia -- which is about two hours outside of the capital city of Riga -- Blumbergs brought us up to speed on his recent past.
“I played in the under-16 championships then I went to Germany," he said. "It was a good experience. I was there for two and a half years and then I moved to the Czech Republic."
Two months ago, Blumbergs competed in the under-18 European Championships, where he impressed a number of scouts thanks to his production on the court.
“It was tough but it was a great experience with competing against some of the best teams. We had a good group,” Blumbergs said before then touching base on what makes him stand out. “I like to run ahead and crash the offensive glass. I can shoot the ball from out to the 3-point line in stretching the defense.”
WHAT'S NEXT?
Blumbergs still has a little while before he settles into his college recruitment as his coach, Julian Betko, a former collegiate star at Butler University, is currently taking care of things on that front.
Meanwhile, Blumbergs explained his decision to attend college instead of signing a professional contact in Europe.
“I just like how Americans play and the atmosphere. I want to experience something new,” Blumbergs said. “I will take visits probably in the spring. I just want to get the experience and get my game up. In Europe, it is a totally different game and I am just coming over here to experience everything.”
RIVALS' REACTION
Finding big men late in the 2017 recruiting cycle is a difficult task for even some of the most prominent of college basketball programs. Blumbergs is the type of prospect that can come across the waters, indoctrinate himself to the American style of ball and produce immediately. It would seem like things remain open in his recruitment, though the likes of Georgia Tech, Nevada, Grand Canyon, Creighton, Auburn and Seton Hall seem to have the best shot at landing the talented big man this spring.