FIN – A Finn-tastic result for Dettmann and Company

VANTAA (EuroBasket Qualifying) - When the EuroBasket 2009 qualifying round resumes on Wednesday night, no team will be as excited to the run onto the floor as Finland.

Minnows in Division A that clinched promotion last year, the Finns upset Serbia 80-77 on Saturday and everyone is still buzzing about the result.

“Of course you go out there and try to win every game, but I don’t think there were many people believing or even hoping for a win besides the team,” said Mikko Koivisto, who made his debut in the senior national team in July.

“It was just an unbelievable game.”

Not surprisingly, one of the key men in that triumph was the point guard, but not Teemu Rannikko, the one most people are familiar with in Finland.

No, it was Petteri Koponen, a 20-year-old who hit three shots from behind the arc – including a game-winner – on his way to 18 points.

“There has been a lot of talk about the absence of Teemu Rannikko,” Koponen said.

“I hope I showed that I can run the team. But you have to remember that Teemu is one of the best point guards in Europe and I’m not on his level yet. I am only 20 years old and every game is a learning experience for me.”

If one looks closely at Finland’s national team, there is one person that everyone should be familiar with.

Henrik Dettmann, who coached Germany to bronze at the 2002 FIBA World Championship, is the coach of the Finns.

He knows that Wednesday’s clash against Hungary and then a showdown with undefeated Bulgaria will be big tests.

“This is pretty tough set of games,” Dettmann said.

“No time for celebrations since we are facing Hungary in an away game already on Wednesday.

“Hungary have shown their potential as they beat Italy.”

No matter what happens the rest of the way, Finland will have an amazing result to cherish.

Tuomas Iisalo, who played 18 minutes and provided a defensive spark in the win, said: “This game showed our potential. The energy which has been glowing from the faces of players after the game has been overwhelming.

“The feeling in the locker room just raised the ceiling.”

FIBA