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Janis KruminsSoviet Latvian basketball player, center
Date of Birth: 30.01.1930
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Janis Krumins: The Late-Blooming Basketball Giant
- From Farmhand to Elite Center
- Olympic and European Champion
- Triumph with S.K.A. Riga
- Artistic Endeavors
- Unforgettable Free Throw Style
Janis Krumins: The Late-Blooming Basketball Giant
Janis Krumins emerged as a legendary Soviet basketball player, renowned for his exceptional size and astonishing late start in the sport.
From Farmhand to Elite Center
Born in the rural town of Cesu, Latvia, Krumins initially pursued various sports, including boxing and javelin throw. It was not until he was 23 years old that he encountered the transformative mentorship of Alexander Gomelsky, a renowned coach who recognized his raw athleticism and potential. Despite his lack of prior experience, Krumins' natural strength and coordination proved to be formidable assets.
Olympic and European Champion
Within a remarkable two years of picking up a basketball, Krumins became the USSR champion and earned a silver medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. He established himself as the first Soviet center to achieve world-class status and contributed significantly to the USSR's three consecutive European Championships and Olympic silver medals.
Triumph with S.K.A. Riga
Krumins' career flourished under Gomelsky's guidance at S.K.A. Riga. Together, they captured four consecutive USSR championships (1955-58) and three consecutive EuroLeague titles (1958-60). Krumins' dominance was cemented by his third-place ranking in the "Soviet Center of the 20th Century" poll conducted by "Sport-Express" in 2006.
Artistic Endeavors
After retiring from basketball, Krumins pursued a successful career as an engraver, with his wife, Inessa, as his artistic collaborator. Together, they welcomed three children—two sons and a daughter.
Unforgettable Free Throw Style
One of Krumins' notable trademarks was his unorthodox free throw technique, known as the "underbelly" or "skirt shot." Despite its unconventional form, he maintained an impressive 90% accuracy from the line.
