Senior guard Rihards Kuksiks faced a decision that many his age aren’t accustomed to or prepared to make.
With his family going through a tremendous personal struggle half a world away in his native country of Latvia, Kuksiks seriously contemplated forgoing his senior season to play professional basketball in Latvia to help provide for and be near his family.
In the end, he decided to return to Tempe.
He had unfinished business.
“His family has a really bad struggle over in his country,” senior guard Jamelle McMillan said. “For a guy to make a sacrifice like that to come back and do this deal for one more year, all the respect in the world to him. That’s a really serious situation, and he put it all on the line for this.”
Unfortunately, Kuksiks’ senior season didn’t go anywhere near how he had hoped because of a variety of different injuries that have prevented him from playing to his potential.
“I wish I could have helped my team more this year to win more games,” Kuksiks said. “I feel that this last year has not been so good for me, but my overall career I feel alright about it. Of course I could do a lot better; there are still a lot of places for me to improve.”
Kuksiks hasn’t been healthy all season, including missing the past four games with an ankle injury.
“Going back to the first night of practice, to the second Arizona game, he’s dealt with some ankle issues,” ASU coach Herb Sendek said. “Along with an issue in his knee, he’s had to play under the influence of some discomfort.”
It would be hard to find a player that is more critical of himself than Kuksiks.
If he went 10-for-11 from beyond the arc, the first thing out of his mouth would be disappointment that he missed the one shot.
That is why it is no surprise that he isn’t satisfied with ending his career second all-time in three pointers made at ASU.
He wanted to be the record holder.
“I am proud that I did that,” Kuksiks said. “It is good, but the goal was to be the first one.”
His teammates recognize his natural shooting ability, regardless of how self-critical he is.
“He’s a pure shooter,” ASU senior guard Ty Abbott said. “You can go in the gym with Rik any time and he can go behind the three point line and make 40 in a row.”
Kuksiks went from a relative unknown to a starting player as a freshman.
There have been times when he has turned in outstanding performances and other times when he has been a non-factor.
“He’s also had his ups and downs during his four years,” McMillan said. “One of the best shooters I’ve played with, probably the best shooter. He’s a guy you need on your team, simply because of off the court. He keeps the team together.”
Both Abbott and McMillan used the same word to describe their close friend off the court.
“As a person, he’s a character,” Abbott said. “He’s funny without even knowing it, just the way he says things and the words he mixes up.”
Both Sendek and Kuksiks believe that he will be healthy enough to suit up for his final home games this weekend.
“It is going to be a little bit sad,” Kuksiks said. “I don’t know if I am going to be emotional because we have to get ready for a game.”
Reach the reporter at andrew.gruman@asu.edu