Ketija Vihmane is quickly making her mark in the world of basketball, both in the traditional 5x5 format and the fast-paced 3x3 game. Playing for TTT Riga in the EuroCup and representing Latvia in international competitions, Ketija's journey from a reluctant young player to a seasoned competitor is an inspiring one. In this exclusive interview, she shares her story of dedication, growth, and the passion that drives her love for the game.

A great start of a lifelong passion

Basketball wasn’t always Ketija's first love. In fact, when she was introduced to the game in second grade, she wasn’t enthusiastic at all. "At first I didn’t like it at all," she recalls. "I went there for a few months, and I wanted to quit. My parents, who also played basketball, made me finish the year, and then we’d see what happens." However, what began as a chore turned into a lifelong passion. "Now, I can’t even count how many years I’ve been playing, but I love it. It’s become a huge part of my life."

Despite her initial reluctance, Ketija’s love for basketball grew over time. She admits that the spark that turned it into her passion wasn’t immediate. "I don’t even know how it happened," she says, smiling. "I just started playing, and as I moved to different teams and different countries, the excitement kept building. It wasn’t a conscious decision; it just kept going. I guess I love it that much."

Inspired by some Latvian legends

Growing up in Latvia, Ketija found her inspiration in her own home and on the national stage. "When I was little, my parents were my first role models. I would go to their games, and that’s where it all started. Later, I looked up to the Latvian national team players like Anete Jēkabsone-Žogota, who also played in the WNBA. Watching them made me want to become better." Ketija’s admiration for her country’s basketball legacy clearly fuels her determination, as she too now carries the Latvian flag on the international stage.

Early successes and challenges

Ketija’s journey through youth basketball in Latvia was filled with early successes. She was part of the under 14 team that won the Baltic Cup, though she admits that at the time, the significance of the achievement didn’t fully register. "I honestly don’t remember much about it. It wasn’t a huge deal for me back then. The Baltic Cup only had four teams, so it didn’t feel like a big tournament," she reflects. "But playing for the under 16 national team in the European Championship, now that was a big moment for me. We finished fourth in the A Division, and that was my first real taste of representing Latvia on a big stage."

She also recalls her first experience at the World Cup with the under 17 team in 2018, where she faced powerhouse teams like the USA. "I was just a kid enjoying basketball back then, not fully understanding what it meant to represent my country. Looking back, it feels huge now."

Building on her professional career

Ketija’s professional journey has taken her beyond Latvia’s borders, most notably to Germany, where she played for two teams, including the St. Louis Royals. "It was a great experience. I was really lucky with the team I had there. We were all good friends, and it made everything easier, on and off the court," she explains.

Despite the camaraderie, the experience wasn’t without its challenges. "The German league isn’t the strongest, but the competition is tough. Every game is a battle, no matter who you’re playing against. It’s not like other leagues where you can predict the outcome. In Germany, every team has a chance, and that’s what I liked about it."

Her second season in Germany was more difficult. She found herself spending more time on the bench than she was used to. "It was tough. I’ve never been the kind of player who just sits on the bench. It was something I had to adjust to and understand. It wasn’t easy, but I learned a lot from it."

Returning to Latvia, with high hopes

Now back in Latvia with TTT Riga, Ketija is excited about the future. "At first, it felt unreal to be back playing in Latvia. But now, I’m really happy. We’re a very young team, but I think we have the potential to do great things this season. I hope we can make a strong showing in the EuroCup and our domestic leagues." She’s optimistic about what lies ahead, both for her and the team. "We have a lot of playing time, and we’re working hard. I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can achieve."

3x3 success and buzzer beater glory

Aside from her 5x5 career, Ketija has also been a standout in the 3x3 format, competing in the FIBA 3x3 EuroCup in Vienna last summer. In a dramatic moment that showcased her clutch abilities, she hit a buzzer-beater against Hungary, one of the strongest teams in Europe. "When I shot that last shot, I just felt it going in. It was an amazing feeling because we knew we had to win that first game to advance from the group. It was a tough game, but we were so happy when we won."

Her team ranked 12th going into the tournament, defied expectations by reaching the quarterfinals. "We were really proud of how we played, especially considering nobody expected us to do that well. We knew we could’ve gone even further, but it was still a great experience."

Balancing 5x5 and 3x3 basketball

In Latvia, players like Ketija don’t have to choose between 5x5 and 3x3 basketball, as the formats are played in different seasons. "For us, 3x3 is during the summer, so we don’t have to choose. It’s great because I get to play both, and I love each format for different reasons."

Though 3x3 has gained popularity in recent years, especially with its inclusion in the Olympics, Ketija acknowledges that there is still room for growth in women’s 3x3 basketball. "I really hope the women’s 3x3 will grow to the level of the men’s game, with more tournaments and opportunities. We’re not there yet, but hopefully, it’s coming."

As Ketija Vihmane continues to build her career, both in Latvia and abroad, her story is one of perseverance, passion, and growth. From her early days of wanting to quit basketball to hitting buzzer-beaters on the international stage, Ketija’s journey is a testament to her love for the game and her dedication to constantly improving.