Lauri Markkanen is set to represent Finland’s senior national basketball team at EuroBasket 2025, bringing his extensive international experience to the competition. With prior appearances in the 2017 and 2022 EuroBasket tournaments, as well as the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Markkanen is focused on helping Finland improve its standing on the European stage.
Ambitious Goals for an Upcoming Championship
Having finished 21st at the World Cup and ranking seventh and eleventh in past EuroBasket contests, Finland’s objective is to elevate their performance considerably. Markkanen expressed the team’s high aspirations before the training camp in Lojja, stating,
“We are going to aim for the medal games,”
and describing this target as demanding but appropriate for their potential.
He emphasized the importance of unity, adding,
“We need to be as united as possible,”
and urged every player to contribute fully to reach their shared goal. Markkanen reflected on the unpredictability of the tournament, stressing the need for strong team spirit to navigate challenges, while expressing confidence in their collective resolve:
“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.”
Preparations and Tournament Outlook
Fresh off his 2024-25 NBA season with the Utah Jazz, the 28-year-old forward quickly turned his focus to international competition under coach Lassi Tuovi’s guidance. Finland will host Group B of the EuroBasket preliminary round in Tampere from August 27 to September 3, facing off against Sweden, Great Britain, Montenegro, Lithuania, and Germany. The best four teams will advance to the knockout stage, which will take place in Riga from September 6 to 14.
Significance of EuroBasket 2025 for Finland and Markkanen
This tournament represents a crucial opportunity for Markkanen and the Finnish team to demonstrate their growth and resilience on a major international platform. By aiming for a medal, Finland seeks to mark a new chapter in their basketball history, showcasing their ability to compete strongly against established European opponents. The outcome of EuroBasket 2025 will likely influence Finland’s basketball reputation and future investments in the sport regionally.