By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Without leading star Lauri Markkanen, the senior national team of Finland is heading to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia. Head coach Lassi Tuovi decided on the final 12-player roster.
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Basketball Finland announced the squad on Sunday.
High-scooler Miikka Muurinen and Andre Gustavson are set for their first taste of international action at the senior level.
Final 12-player squad
- Jacob Grandison (Vilpas Vikings)
- Andre Gustavson (Karhu)
- Mikael Jantunen (Paris)
- Severi Kaukiainen (Kalev/Cramo)
- Miro Little (Utah)
- Alexander Madsen (MoraBanc Andorra)
- Edon Maxhuni (ESSM Le Portel)
- Miikka Muurinen (Arizona Compass Prep)
- Olivier Nkamhoua (Michigan)
- Remu Raitanen (Caceres Patrimonio de la Humanidad)
- Sasu Salin (La Laguna Tenerife)
- Elias Valtonen (Coviran Granada)
Markkanen, 27, was ruled out due to an injury in his right shoulder.
Looking to qualify for the Olympic Games, the Wolf Pack are tasked with ranking over host Spain, Angola, the Bahamas, Lebanon, and Poland next week in Valencia.
The opener is against the Bahamas in La Fonteta. Facing Poland completes the schedule for the preliminary round of the tournament on Thursday. The Semifinals and the Final are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
The surviving country sitting first in the standings on July 7 will join Australia, Canada, and the winner of the OQT in Greece in Group A of the preliminary stage of the Olympic basketball tournament.
Finland has competed in the 1952 and 1964 basketball tournaments of the Olympic Games.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL