FIN - Murphy's chance to hit the big time

CHICAGO (EuroBasket) - Finland's play on the court the past few summers has fueled optimism in the country that the national team can be among the best in Europe.

The Finnish style is attractive, and it brings positive results.

Coach Henrik Dettmann believes the players should think big as he does.

Dettmann was so enthusiastic after the country's successful campaign in the Qualification Round for EuroBasket 2013 that he admitted it was a dream to play at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

To reach next year's event, the national side has to claim a top-six finish at the EuroBasket in Slovenia (4-22 September).

If Spain, the hosts of the World Cup, finish in the top six at the EuroBasket, then a top-seven position would punch the Finns' ticket.

Finland will take on Italy, Russia, Greece, Turkey and Sweden in Group D in Slovenia.

There is a chance that the Finns could have an NBA rookie in the team if Erik Murphy signs a contract with the Chicago Bulls.

Dettmann visited him earlier this year and Murphy showed an interest in the national team.

Even so, his focus right now is on working hard and getting a contract with the Bulls, who selected Murphy at No. 49 overall in the NBA Draft.

Described as a "stretch four" because he is 2.08m tall and can knock down long jump shots - he buried 45.3% (72 of 159) from the arc in the 2012-13 campaign with the Florida Gators - Murphy knows what he has to do to get a contract.

"Obviously, I just have to continue to improve defensively, rebounding, getting stronger," he said.

"Every aspect of my game I think I can improve. If I do that, whatever happens, happens, but I think I'll be alright."

Murphy is trying to follow in his father's footsteps.

Jay Murphy played in the NBA from 1984 to 1988 and wore the shirt of the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Washington Bullets (now Washington Wizards).

"He's the one that kind of showed me how to work hard and taught me the game," Murphy said.

Murphy, whose younger brother Alex played for the Finnish at last year's U20 European Championship Division B in Bulgaria and is a student/athlete at Duke University, has someone to lean on for advice in the Bulls squad already.

Joakim Noah, like Erik Murphy, played for the Gators before leaving for the NBA.

Noah telephoned Murphy immediately after he was drafted.

"He was real excited, as was I," Murphy said.

"He gets real fired up, and he was pretty fired up."

Noah won a couple of titles at Florida and won admiration for his approach on the court.

"I think he might have the highest motor in the NBA, it's arguable," Murphy said.

"When he comes back to school, you see the way he works and the way he plays.

"It's definitely an inspiration."

The Bulls are certainly upbeat about Murphy, and their first round pick, Tony Snell.

General manager Gar Forman said: "Both of these guys have shown they can make perimeter shots, three-point shots at a high, high level.

"Whatever their ceiling is, they’ll reach it because of their work ethic."

FIBA