The 2022-23 Kia Most Improved Player Lauri Markkanen hopes to lead Finland out of group stage play, as the Finns qualified for the tournament through the European Qualifiers earlier this year. 2014 is the only other time Finland qualified for the World Cup — finishing 22nd out of 32 teams. All eyes will be on Markkanen, but Mikael Jantunen and Sasu Salin will also play major roles for this year’s Finland squad.
Active NBA Players
- Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)
Coach: Lassi Tuovi
What to Watch
Markkanen made headlines all around the world when he started his military service in Finland back in April — a requirement that must be completed in Finland by the age of 30. This will be a notable storyline but the play of incoming Baylor freshman Miro Little, a 6-foot-4 point guard that’ll be taking over the groundwork in Waco, Texas that Keyonte George laid out, hoping to follow in the recent lottery pick footsteps. Don’t be surprised if the World Cup is a coming out party for the talented 19-year-old.
Group Play Schedule
- Aug. 25: Finland vs. Australia (4 a.m. ET)
- Aug. 27: Finland vs. Japan (8:10 a.m. ET)
- Aug. 29: Finland vs. Germany (3:30 a.m. ET)
