HELSINKI (FIBA U20 European Championship 2016) – Lauri Markkanen and Finland are desperate to keep their Helsinki house party going. 

Appearing in FIBA U20 European Championship Division A for the first time following promotion in 2015, the hosts have been backed by more than 4,500 fans in each of their opening two games at Helsinki Ice Stadium.

Despite being one of just three 1997-born players on the roster, Markkanen is the undisputed star of the team.

He underlined that fact with a 33-point performance, complete with overtime game-winner against Spain on Sunday.

But he admitted that playing in front of such expectant home support for the first time, during Saturday's defeat to Israel, took some getting used to.

"The audience are great. They give me a lot of energy," said Markkanen, who has been developing his game at Helsinki Basketball Academy.

"It was the first time I have played in front of a big crowd like that so it was a bit of a new experience for me. You don’t pay attention to it, but it actually gives you a big energy boost.

"Every guy in our team shoots good three-pointers. I think a few of them were a bit nervous because none of us have experienced this before and it’s all new."

The volume inside the arena reached a new peak when Markkanen tipped in with just two seconds of the extra session remaining to stun Spain on Sunday.

This competition promises to prepare him for a series of new experiences coming his way after committing to the University of Arizona prior to the 2016/17 season. 

Markannen added: "There’s going to be a lot of competition there, but this is good preparation, playing in front of big crowds. I’m looking forward to it. 

"I’m just trying to gain weight and muscle and improve my rebounding and defence. They are not worried about my offence, but how I play on defence and my rebounding."

He will not be the first in his family to attend a US college, however.

Lauri’s father, Pekka, spent a season at Kansas under Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams prior to becoming a senior Finnish international.

And his guidance has been welcomed.

"He told me it’s a big experience, but he didn’t put any pressure on me," Markkanen said. "It’s my own decision to go there and I’ve heard a lot of good things."

But before competing with the best US college basketball has to offer and the top U20 talents in Europe, Markkanen is motivated to beat his brothers.

Eero Markkanen, 25, is a professional footballer who has spent time with Real Madrid’s youth set-up while 23-year-old Miikka also followed his father onto the hardwood, and provides Lauri with added impetus. 

"We’re just trying to compete against each other in everything," Lauri smiled. "He always tells me I have to get 25 points and 10 rebounds or something like that. I know it’s a joke, but it does motivate me to play as well as I can. I have to show my brother I’m better than him. I’ve always been very competitive, particularly within my family."

Within the Finnish U20 basketball family there is no doubt that Markkanen is the head of the house.

He is the one looked to by his team-mates to provide that inspiration and against Spain he certainly delivered.

But he lets his 2.11m frame and even more imposing game speak for itself in lifting his team – and their fantastic home support – to new heights.

"I’ve always been one of the big players. I’m not so much of a vocal leader but I try to lead by example. I’m trying to lead as much as I can but I am not yelling out loud. I’m just being me.

"When we started our preparation we talked about wanting to play every game here [Helsinki Ice Stadium] so that’s top eight. Of course, we are going for the gold medal, but let’s see how that goes."

FIBA