Career: Broceni Riga (Latvia-LBL, 1997-99), Valparaiso (USA-NCAA, 1999-2003), Telindus Oostende (Belgium-D1, 2003-04), Slask Wroclaw (Poland-EBL, 2004-05).
Another Latvian player who chose to go to an American college... When Raitis Grafs left Europe, he was already regarded as one of the best prospects on the continent. He averaged 13.8 points and 10.5 rebounds at the 1998 junior European championship and posted similar numbers, 11.9 points and 11.0 rebounds, at the junior World championship one year later… He quickly confirmed his status in the NCAA and will be remembered as one of the best players ever to attend Valparaiso finishing in the top ten of the university ‘s all-time leaders in points, rebounds and blocks … The transition to professional basketball has been quite tough for Grafs as he failed to make an impact in Belgium and was a role player in Poland this year… But he remains a very strong rebounder and shot blocker. |