Nizhny Novgorod improved its backcourt for the foreseeable future by signing guard Ingus Jakovics to a two-year deal on Wednesday. Jakovics (1.86 meters, 23 years old) arrives from VEF Riga, where he averaged 6.9 points and 1.9 assists in 28 Latvian League games last season, helping his team reach the final. He has spent his whole career in Latvia, starting it with ASK/Buki Gulbene and also playing for BAA Riga and Liepajas Lauvas before joining VEF. Jakovics has been a member of the Latvian national team and played at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament this summer. He helped VEF win a Latvian League in 2015. Jakovics also got a silver medal with Latvia at the 2013 U20 European Championships. "I am honored to join the Nizhny Novgorod. Great players has been in this club and its name is known throughout Europe," Jakovics said. "This is a new step in my career and I will try to meet our coaches and fans' expectations."