MALAGA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Finland's chances of reaching the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers improved as Sasu Salin committed to playing in the third window.

Salin, who was Finland's third-best scorer at FIBA EuroBasket 2017, told the Spanish language basketball news portal Somosbasket.com that he will play for Susijengi on June 29 at Czech Republic and at home against Iceland on July 2. He also said Petteri Koponen will line up for Finland as well.

"I will play (for Finland) in (the) June (window) for sure, and so will Petteri. We are all going to go," said Salin, who plays for Unicaja Malaga and missed the first two windows.

Salin's statements come on the back of Finland's young superstar Lauri Markkanen confirmed last month that he will play this summer after his first season with the Chicago Bulls.

"I WILL PLAY FOR FINLAND IN THE JUNE-JULY WINDOW FOR SURE AND SO WILL PETTERI KOPONEN. WE ARE ALL GOING TO GO" SalinSalin

The 26-year-old Salin praised the 20-year-old Markkanen for his commitment.

"Lauri is a fantastic player, he plays like a veteran, as if he had many years of experience. It doesn't matter how old he is, the most important thing is the how plays. He always gives his all," said the 6ft 3in (1.91m) guard.

Koponen, meanwhile, has yet to declare his status for this summer's games - even though Salin is convinced the 30-year-old leader will be on board.

Petteri Koponen

Finland could definitely use the trio of players as they currently hold a 2-2 record which has them in third place in Group F, behind Czech Republic (3-1) and Iceland, who are 2-2. Markkanen (19.5 points), Koponen (13.2 points) and Salin (11.7 points) were Finland's top three scorers at the EuroBasket.

Salin is looking forward to playing with the team leaders again, saying: "It's great, we played last year, now we are going to play in June-July."

FIBA