Oskari Ketola, 17, from Pälkänela, dunked the ball into the field after the opening quarter of the European Championship match between Finland and the Czech Republic.
Susijeng’s EC match against the Czech Republic saw several highlights to rewind for years to come, when Sasu Salin and Lauri Markkanen flared up to defeat the host team and Finland secured its place in the next games of the European Championship.
One memorable moment was also seen during the break between the first and second quarters, when the 17-year-old Oskari Ketola got on the field. Ketola threw the ball from the field into the basket and earned 100,000 Czech crowns, or about 4,000 euros. The more than 10,000 spectators in the Prague Arena burst into a standing ovation for the wonderful performance.
– It felt great and even better when there was such a large audience, Ketola says about her success.
Ketola qualified for the competition when he scored the best result of the day in the throwing competition in the fan area of the Prague Arena. Already in Finland’s previous match against Serbia, Ketola was close to trying for a handsome amount of money, when he had the second best result of the day.
Ketola did not yet know what he would use the 4,000 euro prize money for, but the money will be needed.
17-year-old Ketola from Luopiois plays basketball himself in Pälkäne’s Luja-Lukko in the 2nd division of the western region and in the national 1st division for under-19s.
The Ketola family has been there to watch all of Susijeng’s games in Prague. The Susijengi favorite of the young winner of the throwing competition can be found at the more experienced end.
– It’s been really nice to watch Petteri Koponen great playing in his last games, Ketola beamed.