In the qualifiers held in Valencia, Spain, Susijeng must beat either the Bahamas or Poland if it wants to advance to the semi-finals of the Olympic qualifiers.
VALENCIA. An opponent unknown to Finns, whose ranks include three NBA professionals.
Such is the Bahamian team that the Finnish national basketball team will face today in the Olympic qualifiers.
However, the role of the underdog is not Susijeng’s captain and age president Sasu Salinia get excited
– Over the years, it has been a good setup for us. And even though we are underdogs, we don’t think of it that way, says 33-year-old Salin.
For Salini, warm Valencia is a home place, as he played nine seasons in the Spanish league, Málaga, Gran Canaria and the last seasons in Tenerife.
On the same lines as Salini is one of the team’s key players Mikael Jantunen. The team doesn’t give Lauri Markkanen absence affects the atmosphere.
– The roles are okay and the key to success is that everyone plays their part. At the same time, you have to remember to have fun, it helps.
Jantunen has won the Eurocup championship and French silver with Paris Basketball.
The team also includes a 17-year-old known as the biggest promise of Finnish basketball after Lauri Markkanen Miikka Muurinenwhich is also expected to be shown in Spain.
Finland relies on team defense
Finland is playing in the Olympic basketball qualifiers for the first time since 1988.
Tough opposition is also Poland, which Susijengi will face on Thursday evening. Poland finished fourth in the European Championship two years ago.
In order to reach the semi-finals, Finland must beat at least one other team.
Wolf gang coach Lassi Tuovin according to the role of team defense is big.
In Monday’s training, the Bahamian players practiced casually to the rhythm of hip-hop music.
– The Bahamas is a talented team that relies on individuals.
According to Tuov, Finland must focus on tiring out the opponent.
– That way you can run the field and not watch individuals, but work as a team and use a wide rotation.
For the whole team and the coach Lassi Tuovi entering the Games is a great honor.
– This has been expected since last year’s World Cup. We are privileged to be here. Now let’s enjoy the moment and represent Finland with pride, says Tuovi, who will soon go to Japan to coach Yokohama.
If Finland advances to the semi-finals of the Olympic qualifiers, they will face Lebanon, Angola or Spain.
The clear favorite to win the tournament is reigning European champion and tournament host Spain.