Main league power Helsinki Seagulls dominates the men’s Korisliiga – three key factors behind the success | Sports in a nutshell

Main league power Helsinki Seagulls dominates the mens Korisliiga –
Summary of the basketball story:

  • The Seagulls had already secured a regular season win in the Korisliiga, although their 15-game winning streak was snapped in Saturday’s Kouvot match.
  • The head coach Vesa Vertio emphasizes continuity, successful recruitments and the health of the players as the reasons for the Seagulls’ success.
  • Susijeng’s back player, who has recovered from a knee injury Henri Kantonen joins the crew of the Seagulls and is ushered in peacefully.
  • Kantonen believes that he will bring an additional threat to the attacking game of the Helsinki team and add different options to the defense.
  • Helsinki Seagulls’ handsome 15-match winning streak got a point on Saturday, when Kouvot surprised the regular season powerhouse with a score of 91–88.

    The match no longer affected either team’s place in the next group stage. The Seagulls had previously secured their first place in the regular season, while Kouvot continues to play in the lower division.

    Head coach of the Seagulls Vesa Vertio didn’t grieve worse than the final loss of the regular season.

    – Behind is a great regular season, which only had a few blemishes (three losses).

    What are the Seagulls’ early season success factors?

    – We have had enough continuity from last season. Of the core players Rene Rougeau and Lassi Nikkarinen have continued and, in addition, we have been very successful in recruitment.

    – The third thing is that we have stayed healthy. Actually injured in the preseason (termination of contract because of it) by Jeffrey Carroll since then we haven’t had any worries, rejoices Vertio.

    Efficient and machine-like

    Also in terms of gameplay, the Seagulls have avoided any problems so far.

    – Our basketball is based a lot on ball screens, but at the same time we are a much more versatile team than, for example, last year. We can also score points from under the basket, and it’s quite difficult to switch against us, says Vertio.

    Seagulls play is efficient but at the same time mechanical. The differences between good and bad days are not that big.

    – High-quality players make this possible, but yes, we practice a lot of attacking play. This may sometimes seem like a machine, but it is efficient and at least the coach is satisfied, Vertio mumbles.

    – From the beginning of the season, I sensed from the team that this group has a higher ceiling than last season’s team, but at the same time there are more flamboyant personalities here. There hasn’t been as much fluctuation as I expected at the beginning of the season. I think that is also to be expected in the sequel.

    Spot purchase is run in at ease

    Vesa Vertio already has development targets for the next series and playoffs in mind.

    – If something needs to be improved, we can be even better in rebounding and we need to be able to defend under the basket a little harder.

    Helsinki Seagulls announced on Friday that they signed a contract with the 27-year-old back player for the rest of the season Henri Kantonen with.

    – In addition, there is enough work for the next few weeks in how Henri Kantonen get into this team.

    – No date has been set for Kantonen’s return. He will recover from his injury as soon as he recovers and jump on the floor when it is possible, says the Seagulls coach.

    Coach Vertio thinks Kantos is a smart player who knows how to use ball screens. As a good thrower, the new reinforcement will certainly also bring help to the team’s offensive end.

    – Henkka fits every role and he is a versatile player who can play in positions one to four with our style of play – and defend as well.

    Kantonen likes Seagulls’ game system

    In addition to more than 200 Korisliiga matches, the 198-centimeter Henri Kantosen has experience in the Lithuanian main league, the French ProB league, and the FIBA ​​Europe Cup. In addition to club teams, he has represented the Finnish national team in 37 matches.

    A knee injury that required surgery has kept Kantonen on the sidelines for almost a year.

    – It (the knee) is starting to feel good, but we still need to train here. Return days are not days but weeks. The plan is to come and play during the spring, says Kantonen.

    Why was Seagulls chosen as the club?

    – Seagulls was a good fit for my situation. Of course, the fact that they wanted me weighed heavily on the scale. Lots of familiar players and a good game system that suits me. I believe that this is a good cooperation for both parties at this point.

    He believes that he will bring the threat of driving to the basket in the attack for the number one team in the regular season. On the defensive end, with his help, the Seagulls can try out different formations of five and defense.

    Kantonen has closely followed the Helsinki team’s good start to the season from the stands, while he has been rehabilitating his knee.

    – The good early season in particular was due to the continuity of the players and good, familiar coaching. There are many different factors in basketball, such as team spirit, health status and good players. During the winning streak, many of these things have hit the spot, says Kantonen.

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