Author: Boris Karebin

BK-CENTRE is pleased to announce the promotion of Klaid Karebin to Vice President of Basketball Operations. In his expanded role, Klaid will lead the development of BK-CENTRE’s scouting services, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to improve player evaluation, talent identification, statistical analysis, and international scouting.

Klaid will oversee key areas of Basketball Operations, contract negotiations, scouting services, and basketball-related negotiations, working closely with BK-CENTRE leadership and its network of basketball professionals.

He will also continue to manage the organization’s computer technology and digital development, helping BK-CENTRE expand its technology-based basketball services and improve the way scouting ainformation are collected, analyzed, and presented.

Another important part of his responsibilities will be the continued development and promotion of BK-CENTRE projects through social media and digital platforms, increasing the organization’s visibility and strengthening communication with players, coaches, teams, universities, agencies, and basketball organizations around the world.

Klaid will also continue to develop and maintain relationships with BK-CENTRE partners, while helping establish new partnerships and opportunities within the international basketball community.

The development of BK-CENTRE’s scouting service will be one of the major priorities of his new position. By combining traditional basketball scouting with AI-powered technology and data analysis, BK-CENTRE aims to create a more modern and efficient system for identifying talent and evaluating players from different countries and levels of competition.

U18 Women’s EuroBasket: The Intrigue Continues — Latvia Still in the Race for a World Cup Spot

The FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket in Stockholm continues to prove one thing: there are virtually no weak teams in this tournament. Every game requires maximum concentration, and one difficult stretch can completely change the outcome.

Latvia has already experienced a very challenging tournament. After two consecutive losses in the group stage, many people were ready to write the Latvian team off.

But Latvia proved them wrong.

The coaching staff managed to refocus the team, and the players responded with character. In the quarterfinals, Latvia faced Slovenia in an extremely tense and low-scoring game.

Both teams struggled with their shooting and made numerous mistakes, but Latvia was stronger down the stretch and earned a 54–48 victory, advancing to the next round.

It was a true victory of character.

France vs. Latvia: A Battle Until the Final Minutes

In the next game, Latvia faced France.

For most of the game, the teams stayed remarkably close. Latvia refused to allow France to build a comfortable lead, while the French players gradually began to feel the pressure.

That became especially noticeable in the third quarter. France tried to extend its advantage, but Latvia stayed within striking distance and forced the French team to fight for every possession.

In the end, France managed to protect its lead and secure the victory.

However, this loss should not be viewed as a failure for Latvia. On the contrary, the Latvian team once again showed that it can compete with some of the strongest teams in Europe.

One of Latvia’s standout players was Plurina, who recorded an impressive 16 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Croatia Receives a Painful Lesson

Another major result of the tournament was Croatia’s heavy defeat against Spain, 25–100.

The Croatian team entered the tournament with several highly regarded players who have NCAA potential. One of the biggest names is Olivia Vukosa, the new center for the University of Connecticut.

Vukosa was ranked No. 3 by ESPN among the 2026 class, was named Gatorade National Player of the Year, and signed with UConn, one of the most prestigious programs in women’s college basketball.

Even the presence of a player of Vukosa’s caliber, along with at least two other strong NCAA-level players, could not prevent Croatia from suffering a devastating loss to Spain.

The Spanish team completely controlled the game and left Croatia with virtually no chance.

Latvia Was Written Off Too Early

After two losses in the group stage, many people had already counted Latvia out of the tournament.

But the Latvian team refused to give up.

The coaching staff successfully motivated the players, and the team responded when it mattered most. Latvia won the crucial quarterfinal game against Slovenia and then gave France a serious fight in the following round.

This is exactly what makes Latvia’s performance so impressive.

A team that had been written off after two losses managed to regroup, win a knockout game and then compete against one of the strongest teams in Europe.

The Main Battle Is Still Ahead

Every remaining game has enormous importance.

The European Championship is about more than just winning a medal. The top European teams are also fighting for qualification to the FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup, making every game at the end of the tournament extremely valuable.

Latvia has already shown that it was far too early to count them out.

The team has demonstrated character when it mattered most and continues to fight for its goal.

We wish the Latvian national team success at the European Championship, many more victories, and the best of luck in the battle for a place at the World Cup!

Nigeria has consistently produced outstanding basketball talent, and Isaac Saint Oghenerukevwe is quickly establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising young prospects.

Born in December 2007, Oghenerukevwe is currently a member of the Nigerian U20 National Team program, where he continues to develop against elite competition while preparing for the next stage of his basketball career.

At the club level in Nigeria, Oghenerukevwe has been one of the most productive young players in the league. He is averaging 14.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game while shooting an outstanding 61% from the field. His ability to score efficiently around the basket, control the glass, and protect the rim makes him one of the most complete frontcourt prospects in his age group.

Beyond the statistics, Oghenerukevwe brings tremendous energy, physicality, and a relentless work ethic. He runs the floor well, competes on every possession, and continues to improve his overall skill set. His defensive presence and rebounding ability allow him to impact games even when he is not scoring, while his offensive efficiency reflects his smart shot selection and finishing ability.

With his size, athleticism, and upside, Isaac Saint Oghenerukevwe projects as a player capable of making an immediate impact at the NCAA Division I level. As he continues to develop, he is actively seeking an opportunity to join a Power Four or other highly competitive NCAA program in the United States.

College coaches looking for a high-upside international prospect should keep a close eye on Isaac Saint Oghenerukevwe. His combination of production, physical tools, and long-term potential makes him one of the emerging names in African basketball recruiting.

Austėja Babraitis, a member of the Lithuanian U16 and U18 national teams, is targeting a return to the NCAA Division I level.

The 6-foot-2 (187–188 cm) Lithuanian forward has already demonstrated that she can compete at a high level. Babraitis began her American college career at Providence College, an NCAA Division I program competing in the Big East Conference — one of the most respected conferences in women’s college basketball.

Being recruited and signed by Providence was an important step in Babraitis’ career. It also demonstrated the level at which college programs evaluated her potential. Providence officially listed Babraitis as a 6-foot-2 freshman forward from Kaunas, Lithuania, and she entered the program following her experience with the Lithuanian national youth teams.

Babraitis has substantial international experience. She represented Lithuania at both the U16 and U18 levels in FIBA competitions. Her international background has given her valuable experience against strong European competition and helped develop her physicality, rebounding ability and understanding of the game.

Her first American college season, however, did not give her the consistent playing time necessary to demonstrate her full potential. Babraitis appeared in only limited action at Providence. She subsequently continued her college career at Barry University, where she has an opportunity to continue developing and gain valuable experience.

For Babraitis, the next step is not simply about finding another college program. It is about finding the right opportunity.

She needs meaningful minutes, responsibility and the opportunity to show what she can do over an extended period. With consistent playing time, Babraitis can demonstrate her rebounding, physicality, interior game, defensive ability and overall basketball IQ.

From a scouting perspective, she remains a player with Division I potential. Her previous experience at Providence and in the Big East environment, combined with her Lithuanian national-team background, gives her a strong foundation that should be attractive to NCAA programs looking for an experienced international frontcourt player.

Kirill Kapinos, a talented Ukrainian basketball player from Kharkiv and former member of the Ukrainian Youth National Team, is entering a new and exciting chapter of his career as he begins his first NCAA season.

Before coming to the United States, Kapinos gained valuable experience in Germany, competing at the Bundesliga level. He then spent two seasons playing college basketball in the United States, developing his game and preparing for the next level.

Now, Kapinos is ready to take that next step and compete in the NCAA.

Basketball runs deep in the Kapinos family. Kirill’s father, Oleg Kapinos, represented the Ukrainian National Team and built a professional career in European basketball, including time with Latvian club Ventspils.

With such a strong basketball background and a family tradition of competing at a high level, Kirill has an outstanding example to follow as he continues to build his own path in the game.

Everyone at BK-CENTRE wishes Kirill a successful NCAA season filled with new challenges, victories, and opportunities to showcase his talent.

We look forward to following Kirill Kapinos as he continues his journey and makes his mark on the NCAA basketball court!