Markanen is worried about the group that includes Montenegro: Anyone can beat anyone

Three years ago, Finland was the seventh-place team in Europe, now as one of the hosts of EuroBasket they want even more, and that means they would have to surpass their best finish from 1967, when they were sixth.

According to Fiba, it is the basketball players of this country, led by NBA ace Lauri Markkanen, who should be perhaps the most beautiful story of the upcoming European Championship.

While Finland did not have too many problems during preparations, even against not very strong rivals (they defeated Belgium and Poland twice each), Markkanen expects tough challenges in the group being played in Tampere, which also includes Montenegro.

"Yes, we are worried about the group stage, because any team can beat anyone. That's why we have to take it day by day, and our first rival is Sweden - obviously a good team," Markkanen told the Fiba website.

Finland logically expects the most from its biggest asset, who scored over 40 points in two games during the preparations. However...

"I would say that the biggest strength of our team is versatility. We have a lot of tall players who can play in different positions, but also guards who can do many different things. We have spent so much time together and I think that will be our strength," Markkanen emphasized.

The Utah Jazz maestro has already made his mark at the European Championships, having brought Helsinki to its feet in 2017 with an average of 22,6 points, and he continued this in 2023, when he averaged 23,7 points and 6,9 rebounds.

"It's always special when you play in front of your fans, especially when it comes to EuroBasket. I'm lucky to experience it for the second time, after the first time was an unreal experience. Now I expect nothing less. I'm sure it will be a great week in Finland."

Markanen's performance for the "wolves" is not in question.

"Playing for your country and your national team is an unreal feeling. Nothing else can compare. You are always very proud playing for your country and it is the best thing ever," concluded the brilliant Finn.

EuroBasket, which is organized by Finland, Latvia, Poland, and Cyprus, starts on Wednesday, and on the first day, Montenegro will face world champion Germany.

Our national team expects a duel with Finland and Markkanen in the third round - the group also includes Lithuania, Sweden and Great Britain, and the top four advance to the round of 16.