Lotta-Maj Lahtinen has enjoyed her four years at Georgia Tech University. The Lappeenranta-based national team player sees the WNBA dream realistic if the game runs in Europe in the coming years.
National basketball player Lotta-Maj Lahtinen was involved in last night’s WNBA league booking ceremony, but the name of the Finn was not shouted among the three rounds and 36 players. Lahtinen, 22, who has played on Georgia Tech’s university team for four years, is next to look at Europe’s big arenas and best series.
– It was a little disappointing. It would have been nice to be busy and get a foot in the league through the door, but even if it isn’t there this summer, the dream of playing there and working towards it will remain, Lahtinen told Urheilu.
– In the future, you can get invitations to training camps and thereby get to play if you have a good professional career in Europe over the years. The Euroleague is a goal, and now we are working towards the right professional career.
Lahtinen considers women’s NBA parquets a realistic goal later.
– I think it’s realistic if it’s good enough. All teams follow the European leagues, but it’s a tough game to play all season. Many of the best players in Europe would be able to play WNBA domination, but then want to play all year round if there is a good place and salary in Europe, Lahtinen ponders.
– With my own work ethic and practice, I see it as realistic, but then I see how the Player’s career and other life develops. I have a lot of work to do.
At number one, Atlanta Dream booked a throwback from the University of Kentucky Rhyne Howardin. Head coach of the national team Pekka Salminen anticipates that the possible reservation of Lahtinen, who enjoys the backfield, will depend on whether the clubs value sportiness and size or sporting skills and character.
According to the 174-centimeter ball skill, a lot of big players were booked at the draft event.
– There were a lot of post-players and “power forwards” going on. Apparently it was a trend this year that such teams need more. He always thinks the most skilled players would be chosen, but to a large extent it goes according to what the 12 teams need. I understand the nature of the business, Lahtinen says.
Warm memories of the university
Although Lahtinen’s name was not called, a teammate Lorela Cubaj was booked into the ranks of New York Liberty in the second round.
– He’s my best friend. He’s a hard-working player, and it’s not easy to find a big four-player like him. It was tense and I am happy for him.
Lahtinen has enjoyed his four years in Atlanta. He played in Georgia Tech’s NCAA top-of-the-box 116 games, averaging 9.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists to the basket.
The years have brought a lot to learn about basketball as well as life in general.
– We had a closing party on Monday where I spoke about my trip here. This has been one of the best decisions of my life, and I’ve grown in many areas, both in terms of the basket and as a person anyway. I have learned about the world and new cultures.
– This can be called a second home, but at the same time I am also ready for the next songs in life.
For the summer, Lahtinen will arrive in Finland and be with the national team again. However, there is time to visit the home regions of Lappeenranta.
– I thought to rela at the cottage, visit my grandmother to eat good food and see friends. There are national team trainings and a national team summer, but there are always weekends in between.