Gundars Vētra

Gundars Vētra is a Latvian former professional basketball player and a current coach.
Standing at, he played at the shooting guard and small forward positions. He was the first Latvian to play in the National Basketball Association. He appeared in 13 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 1992-1993 season.

Coaching career

After finishing his playing career, Vētra became a coach. He first started as head coach of Barons Kvartāls|Barons], leading them to their first ever LBL finals appearance in 2005. For the 2005–06 season he was an assistant to Sharon Drucker with Ural Great. Following a season in Russia, Vētra returned to Latvia, where he re-united with Barons. His second stint with Barons wasn't as good as expected, and Vētra left them to try his hand in women's basketball. After four seasons in Russia he went back to Latvia, joining BK Ventspils, where his team made the Latvian League finals.

Personal life

Vētra has two daughters who played NCAA Division I college basketball. Laura played at Fairfield Stags from 2009 to 2013. Ruta was a guard at NJIT Highlanders from 2013 to 2017.