From basketball player to coach: Māris Gulbis appointed head coach of RSU/VEF Rīga basketball team

Laura Ritova, Manager of Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Sports Club, emphasises: ‘Next season will bring changes to the management of our basketball team. Our former coach, Krists Pīternieks, will continue his coaching career in China, which meant we had to find a new team leader. We considered several candidates, and the involvement of Māris Gulbis seemed like a very natural and logical solution. Māris is not only a very experienced basketball player but also a fourth-year student at RSU. We are glad that he has joined the RSU/VEF Rīga team as its head coach. He has been preparing for this step for several years and has all the necessary skills to successfully take on this responsibility. There are not many athletes who choose to become coaches after their professional careers end, so we highly appreciate Māris’ commitment and professionalism. We believe that the collaboration between RSU and VEF Rīga will continue to grow and that together we will reach new heights.’

During his professional career, Gulbis won six Latvian Championship titles, three Latvian–Estonian League titles, and four Latvian Cups. He now joins the RSU/VEF Rīga coaching staff with a clear goal: to develop young players and raise the team’s skill level. 

‘I am very pleased with this opportunity. Over the last two to three years, I have been thinking about how to continue my journey in basketball while maintaining a close bond with VEF Rīga. I am glad to be back home and to be part of the RSU/VEF Rīga team. I see great potential in the team, a clear direction for development, and passionate players. I truly appreciate the trust RSU has placed in me,’ says Gulbis.

Gatis Jahovičš, President of VEF Rīga, adds: ‘Māris Gulbis is not only an outstanding player but also the heart of the team and a role model for many up-and-coming basketball players. His enthusiasm, professionalism, and contributions to our team are invaluable. We are grateful for everything he has done, and we wish him success and fulfilment in his new role as head coach.’