Markkanen optimistic about Finland’s medal chances at EuroBasket

Lauri Markkanen, an NBA player and the best player on the Finnish national team, will lead his squad at EuroBasket 2025. 

He was part of the team at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, as well as at the 2017 and 2022 editions of the European Championship.

Ahead of Finland’s training camp and warm-up matches, Markkanen told reporters that the team will aim to fight for medals, even though they are not considered among the favorites. According to him, the team needs to be more united than ever, and each individual must give their maximum.

He also emphasized that team chemistry must be at its peak, and that’s why preparations need to be done as well as possible — to avoid dips in form, as the tournament will be very dynamic and demanding.

Mikael Jantunen, a player who recently signed with Fenerbahce after playing for Monaco, could be another strong asset, especially for followers of European basketball.

Finland will host Group B in Tampere, and their opponents will be Germany, Great Britain, Sweden, Montenegro, and Lithuania.

The extended roster of the Finnish national team for EuroBasket 2025 includes:

Lauri Markkanen, Mikael Jantunen, Mustapha Amzil, Perttu Blomgren, Aaron Ekwere, Jacob Grandison, Andre Gustavson, Henri Kantonen, Miro Little, Alexander Madsen, Edon Maxhuni, Miikka Muurinen, Olivier Nkamhoua, Sasu Salin, Ilari Seppala, Elias Valtonen.