By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In the familiar environment of international action, Lauri Markkanen is heading to the EuroBasket 2025 with the senior national team of Finland.
His experience with the Wolf Pack includes the FIBA World Cup 2023 and two previous installments of EuroBasket in 2017 and 2022. The goal is an improved team performance in the next major tournament, switching from 21st in the World Cup and seventh and eleventh in the EuroBasket.
“We are going to aim for the medal games,” he mentioned during a media session before opening training camp in Lojja on Tuesday, “That is a demanding task. That is how it should be, in my opinion.”
“We need to be as united as possible,” added Markkanen, “Everyone needs to give their all to this team so we can achieve our high goals. Anything can happen in the tournament, and we need to be well prepared to avoid any falter of the team spirit. I am sure this will not happen.”
Immediately following the end of the 2024-25 NBA journey with the Utah Jazz, the 28-year-old combo forward was eager to bounce back in FIBA tournaments and join the team coached by Lassi Tuovi.
Following friendly games, his country will host Group B of the preliminary round of the EuroBasket in Tampere. Sweden, Great Britain, Montenegro, Lithuania, and Germany will be the opponents from August 27 to September 3. The top four seeds will progress to the knockout stage, to be played in Riga between September 6 and 14.
Photo Credit: FIBA