By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Lauri Markkanen had some familiar faces in the stands as Finland hosted Iceland in a friendly ahead of the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying window.
The Utah Jazz forward finished with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals, helping Finland secure a 93-78 victory in Espoo.
Markkanen had spent the previous days showing Helsinki to Jazz teammates Jaren Jackson Jr. and Keyonte George, head coach Will Hardy and team owner Ryan Smith, who then attended Friday’s game.
“These three guys, Lauri, Jaren and Keyonte, are three really important players for our team,” Hardy told Finnish broadcaster Yle. “This gave us an opportunity to get them together and away from everything. They were able to work out, but the human element, the relationships and building connections have been the most important things.”
Edon Maxhuni added 15 points and four assists for Finland, while Miro Little contributed 13 points. Olivier Nkamhoua and Sasu Salin scored 11 apiece.
Tryggvi Hlinason led Iceland with 13 points, seven rebounds and four blocks, while Styrmir Snaer Thrastarson recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Finland will face Sweden and Estonia in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Markkanen expected to play in both games. Iceland will take on Serbia and Turkey.
“You only get to play a limited number of games in life. Playing for your national team is unique. We will always support Lauri playing for Finland as long as he is healthy and fit,” Hardy said.
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