Kurucs surname is well known among scouts and generally in youth basketball circuit. It doesn’t only come down to 1998 born Latvian wing Rodions who plays for Barcelona and can even get late 1st round looks of NBA Draft. Two years younger Arturs is high motor guard prospect who doesn’t have to run on his older brother coattail. He is definitely good enough to pave his own way and succeed on a high level as well. However he seems comfortable with all the buzz and constant comparisons.
“I get more opportunities and attention because of results of my brother… So when I get to some tournaments or camps, there is good attention on me because of the last name.”
Speaking of camps our conversation happened just after BWB Global in Los Angeles. Arturs was one of 43 U18 players from 36 countries who participated in prestigious event co-organized by NBA and FIBA during All-Star Weekend. What was his experience like at the Lakers facility??
“Basketball wise the competition was amazing and all the players showed their best. Drills were very similar to what we do here in Europe but with different details and using of that in game situations.”
Few days in USA also made him realize which stage he is at as far as his development goes and that things off the court are also very important.
“I mostly got confidence of myself where I’m at the moment and ensure that I’m on the right way. Besides it was great to learn such an important things like life skills by listening to mentors and speakers.”
Similarly to Rodions, Arturs took his talents abroad early and more specifically to Spain. He didn’t exactly follow the footsteps of older Kurucs as he went to Baskonia instead of Barcelona which nevertheless is also great youth program with senior Euroleague team. Talented prospect signed 8 year contract in 2015 and currently plays for Fundacion 5+11 which is farmer club participating in Leb Silver (Spanish 3rd tier). How is the season going so far?
“We started unlucky with the roster. Overseas players didn’t come on time, some guys were promoted to first team of Baskonia. We also had minor injury problems. Now when everything gets stabilized and we are getting those important wins.”
We remember Arturs from FIBA U16 where he played as shooting guard next to Arturs Zagars in national team. Since that he seems to be constantly adjusting to playmaker position and enjoying that process. What role does he mostly take in Leb Silver?
“I play as a PG. Club wants me to play this position and I like it. That’s a good spot for me to push the ball fast and use all of my athletic potential…When I run the point I give a rhythm to my team.”
This sounds very promising considering he is not blessed with as great height as Rodions and basically has elite physical tools for #1 position. However last summer Baskonia signed one more highly touted prospect. Lautaro Lopez from Argentinia is 1999 born finesse & creative guard with large international experience. Is Arturs able to fully develop as playmaker sharing the backcourt lineup with him?
“Yes we are a good friends on the court and off the court. We have a great competition on practices between us. I think we help each other to progress really well.”
This year Arturs doesn’t practise with the first team as much as last year but he claimed that pre-season was great for him to understand the level he has to reach. So what he needs to improve in order to become ACB regular?
“I think I still don’t use all potential of my body. I’m getting better with my shoot , I’m working on defense and game reading every day so these things are improving little by little. But now especially after camp, I’m focusing even more on how to use my body to become better scorer. I would say I’m working right now on my scoring ability.”
Kurucs Jr shows very professional approach. If his talent and physical predispositions are supported by hard work & good situation for further development he can become scoring PG for Baskonia on Euroleague level.
