90 YEARS AGO: Latvian "Dream Team" Conquered the First EuroBasket

The recent conclusion of FIBA EuroBasket 2025 has prompted reflection on the first-ever FIBA European Championships, which took place 90 years ago in 1935 in Geneva, Switzerland, with Latvia emerging as the champions.

In 1935, basketball was still in its early stages in Europe, having been officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee that year. FIBA, founded in 1932, took control of the sport in 1934 and created the EuroBasket competition as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming 1936 Berlin Olympics. The event was held from May 2-4 at the Palais des Expositions in Geneva with 10 participating teams.

The facilities for the 1935 EuroBasket were rudimentary compared to modern standards. The gym had skylights that sometimes dazzled players, and the wooden floor panels had gaps that made ball-bouncing difficult. Scoring was much lower than today, with losing teams scoring as few as 9 or 11 points, and Latvia won the final against Spain with a score of 24-18.

To promote the event, FIBA commissioned graphic designer Noël Fontanet, a Geneva native known for his direct and dynamic style, to create an iconic poster. Fontanet had extensive experience in advertising and produced hundreds of posters for various clients, including sporting competitions.

A feature film titled "Dream Team 1935," released in 2012, depicts Latvia's challenging journey to the championship, including team formation, homemade uniforms, and an adventurous train trip to Geneva. The film is part of FIBA's Cultural Heritage exhibition on cinema and basketball, displayed at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Mies, Switzerland, until June 2026, highlighting the stark contrast in accommodations and amenities compared to modern players.