Finland, which is leading the qualifying group, will face Sweden on 30 June and Croatia on 3 July in the World Cup qualifiers. Markkanen anticipates fierce battles from matches where nothing is free.
Paavo Forsberg,
Inka Henelius
Finnish NBA star Lauri Markkanen will wear Susijeng’s shirt on June 30 after a four-year break when Finland faces the World Cup qualifiers in Espoo, Sweden.
Markkanen, 25, is excited to be able to represent the national team again. The Cleveland player admits that he followed Susijeng’s grips closely behind the rap.
– Yes, all those games will be watched. I remember once watching Susijeng’s match on the phone in Cleveland’s cold pool as I prepared for tonight’s match, Sports said in an interview.
Markkanen admits that while watching the games, he has been dug when he has not been able to play in Susijeng himself.
– But it’s nice to watch when the team succeeds.
In the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and European Championships, Markkanen promises to bring energy to the parquet.
– There is hunger and pressure to win when the team wins without it. At least I must not make matters worse. I give my all, and I play with the energy required on that team. I try to do my part as well as I can. Whatever it is.
Finland is currently finalizing an agreement with insurance companies and the NBA to allow Markkanen to play in the World Cup qualifiers and later in the European Championships. A retiring head coach Henrik Dettmannin according to it is a normal process that does not involve drama. According to him, the details will be finalized by next week.
The summer has been marked by strength training
The Cleveland Cavaliers finished ninth in the NBA East Conference and did not make the playoffs. Markkanen’s season thus ended a couple of months ago.
After a short break, Markkanen is again focused on training. The Finn has a physics coach from Jyväskylä and an American basketball coach.
– I’ve been doing a physical training lately. Power and speed. In the sport, the venue changed this season. A little more ball stuff. I try to learn those things.
Markkanen played with an average score of 14.8 last season, even though he was planted to the new pitch as a small winger. The average score is the best in Finland since the 2018–19 season, when Markkanen played for the Chicago Bulls.
In his spare time in Finland, Markkanen has seen relatives and friends who do not have time to meet during the hectic NBA season.
The encouragement of the home audience is unique
Susijengi will go to the World Cup qualifiers with his new head coach Lassi Tuovin under the authority of the The former assistant coach of the national team is a man familiar to Markkanen.
– Lassi is an intelligent coach. He has shown it on his club team.
Finland, which is leading the qualifying group, will face Sweden on 30 June and Croatia on 3 July in the World Cup qualifiers. Markkanen anticipates fierce battles from matches where nothing is free.
– You have to fight for every point and victory.
Markkanen played for the national team in the 2017 home competitions, where Finland advanced to the playoffs. According to Markkanen, the intoxication of the home audience in Finland is different from that in the NBA.
– In front of the home crowd, going to Finland was wild. Each game was a unique experience. It’s hard to get to the same, but hopefully there will be as many Finnish fans in the upcoming games. Hopefully we can give them moments of success.