Lauri Markkanen was selected early on Tuesday Finnish time as the most developed player in the basketball league NBA. America’s most famous basketball commentators called the Finn in the middle of the night to tell him about the award.
Chosen as the most developed player in the NBA basketball league Lauri Markkanen according to the award is one that many athletes dream of as a child.
– When it happens for real, it makes me humble. However, this is just the beginning. I’ve always known my abilities and what I’m capable of as a player, Markkanen said in the Basketball Association’s press release.
Markkanen improved his point average from the previous season by almost 11 points. According to him, all the pieces fell into place in Utah and he was given the freedom to grow as a player to a new level.
The recipient of the award was decided in the morning Finnish time. Markkanen, who is doing his military service in Helsinki, gave his fresh comments via remote connection to the TNT channel (you switch to another service)in the broadcast of which the winner of the award was announced.
– It feels great. I didn’t wake up at two in the morning for nothing, Markkanen elaborated.
Finnish military service has attracted interest in the United States, where the perception of the army differs from domestic conscript service. Former basketball star and current commentator Charles Barkley beamed in the broadcast about Markkanen’s military service.
– I have a lot of love and respect for you. One thing the US should be doing better is taking care of veterans. Our country is bad at it. I really admire everyone who serves in the military. I want to thank you, Barkley sensitively.
A basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal asked the Finn if Markkas had been challenged to basketball matches in the army.
– After the day’s service, the guys wanted to challenge me in a one-on-one match. Members of the regular staff have not yet asked to play. We’ll see if that happens, Markkanen said.
Markkanes was also asked how it felt to cut his hair short and what the daily rhythm is like in the barracks.
– I have had this Hairstyle before. I couldn’t cut it as short as you, but pretty short, Markkanen grinned at the bald studio crew.
– The days are long. We wake up early and continue for 10–12 hours straight. But it’s been fun. Here you get to know new people and make friends when you have to deal with things together.
After receiving the award, Markkanen does not intend to rest on his laurels.
– Hunger grows when you eat. First of all, we have an incredibly great summer ahead of us with Susijeng and the opportunity to achieve big things at the World Championships. After that, we will return to Utah and continue where we left off in the spring, Markkanen said.