This article needs additional citations for verification .(September 2024) |
Personal information | |
---|---|
Born | Riga, Latvia | June 12, 1981
Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
Listed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
Career information | |
College | Valparaiso (1999–2003) |
NBA draft | 2003: undrafted |
Playing career | 1997–2014, 2016 |
Position | Center |
Number | 5, 13 |
Career history | |
1997–1999 | Broceni Riga |
2003–2004 | Telindus Oostende |
2004–2005 | Śląsk Wrocław |
2005–2006 | Ventspils |
2006–2009 | ASK Rīga |
2009–2010 | BC Šiauliai |
2010 | VEF Rīga |
2011 | BK SPU Nitra |
2011–2012 | Apollon Limassol |
2012 | BC Šiauliai |
2012 | Rakvere Tarvas |
2012–2014 | Valga/Maks&Moorits |
2016 | VEF skola |
Career highlights and awards | |
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Raitis Grafs (born June 12, 1981) is a Latvian former professional basketball player. He played at the center position. Grafs represented the senior men's Latvian national team. [1] He was a FIBA EuroStar in 2007.
Grafs was born in Riga, Latvia. In kindergarten, Grafs met Kristaps Valters, and they eventually became best friends,[ citation needed ] and also eventually became teammates. As a teenager, Grafs was regarded[ by whom? ] as one of the best young basketball prospects in Europe.
Grafs played college basketball in the NCAA DI at Valparaiso University, where he played with the Valparaiso Crusaders, from 1999 to 2003. During his freshman year at Valparaiso, he was nominated the conferences' Newcomer of the Year.
After he finished playing college basketball in the US, Grafs returned to Europe. He eventually went on to play in Belgium, Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Estonia, Cyprus, and Latvia.
Grafs averaged 13.8 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, at the 1998 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship. At the 1999 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, he averaged 11.9 points per game and 11.0 rebounds per game, and he was voted to the All-Tournament Team.
Grafs was also a member of the senior Latvian national team. At the age of just 16 years and 5 months, Grafs became the youngest member of the senior men's Latvian national team. With Latvia, he played at the 2001 EuroBasket, the 2003 EuroBasket, the 2005 EuroBasket, and the 2007 EuroBasket.
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