Raitis Grafs
Raitis Grafs (born June 12, 1981) is a Latvian professional basketball center. Born in Riga, Latvia, he is a member of the Latvia national basketball team.[1]
 Raitis Grafs (left) with Armands Šķēle playing against Estonia in 2006. | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 12, 1981 Riga, Latvia |
| Nationality | Latvian |
| Listed height | 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) |
| Listed weight | 238 lb (108 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 | BC Telindus Oostende |
| 2004–2005 | Śląsk Wrocław |
| 2005–2006 | BK Ventspils |
| 2006–2009 | ASK Rīga |
| 2009–2010 | BC Šiauliai |
| 2010 | VEF Rīga |
| 2011 | BK SPU Nitra |
| 2011–2012 | Apollon Limassol BC |
| 2012 | BC Šiauliai |
| 2012 | BC Rakvere Tarvas |
| 2012–2014 | Valga/Maks&Moorits |
| 2016 | VEF skola |
In kindergarten, Grafs met Kristaps Valters and they became fast friends. Since then, the two have grown to be best friends and teammates on the Latvia national basketball team. As a teenager, Grafs was regarded as one of the best prospects in Europe averaging 13.8 points and 10.5 rebounds at the 1998 U18 European Championship. He posted similar numbers (11.9 ppg and 11.0 rpg) at the 1999 World Junior Championship during which he was voted a First Team All-Star. At 16 years 5 months, Grafs became the youngest Latvian National Team member. For the next step in his career he chose to study at Valparaiso University; during four years at Valparaiso University (NCAA) he was nominated newcomer of the year in the conference. After university he returned to Europe and played in Belgium, Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Estonia, Cyprus and Latvia.