SALT LAKE CITY (USA) - Finnish fans can look forward to having their national team talisman Lauri Markkanen on court in July's European Qualifiers games for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027.
When asked about his plans for this summer during his last press conference of the 2025-26 season with the Utah Jazz, Markkanen answered: "Stay here a little bit, then go to Finland. We have a couple of national team games. And I'm excited to have that as my ramp up again going to the NBA season.
"So, a little bit of family and friends time, but then a lot of basketball again."
Markkanen has been sensational for Finland since his first FIBA EuroBasket in 2017, when the Finns hosted one of the groups.
At FIBA EuroBasket 2022, Markkanen led Finland into the Quarter-Finals, pouring in 43 points in a 94-86 Susijengi victory over Croatia in the Round of 16.
At the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Markkanen averaged 24.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per game as the country clinched a place in the 2024FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament field.
At FIBA EuroBasket 2025, Finland again hosted a group and Markkanen sparkled, averaging 23.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game.
When the team then traveled to Riga, Latvia, for the Round of 16, Markkanen and Finland upset pre-tournament favorites Serbia in the Round of 16.
"The Finnisher" had 29 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals in that 92-86 victory.
The Finns almost reached the podium but fell 92-89 to Greece in the Third-Place Game.
Finland are first in Group G of the European Qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup with three wins in four games - the same 3-1 record as France.
Markkanen and Co host Hungary on July 3 and then play in Pau against France on July 6.
FIBA