Lätkä lost a possible world star in Lauri Markkase.
Lauri Markkanen was the first Finnish basketball player to be chosen Sportsman of the Year. Jenni Gästgivar
Lauri Markkanen had time to take a shower after training before he sat down in front of the Finnish media via remote connection.
– When I started playing basketball, I certainly didn’t aim for something like this, Markkanen started with the Sportsman of the Year cylinder next to him.
It was half past three in the afternoon in Utah, while it was already approaching midnight in Finland.
– This really means a lot to me because I know who I was competing with for this. The other sports also become incredibly good role models for juniors and really tough athletes. Then when you get your own name as a continuation of that list, it really means a lot, he assured Iltalehte.
The next level
Jazz head coach Will Hardy had let the Finnish ace out of the team’s throwing exercises a little earlier than the others, because the NBA club wanted to serve the thoughts of the fresh Athlete of the Year to the Finns.
– I’ve been in the team since the oldest, but the development curve is just beginning. In every game I see things that can still be improved. There are still many levels to take the next leap. In any case, I don’t feel that I’m anywhere near the top yet.
Markkanen’s work ethic should not be doubted. He demands only the best from himself every day.
– I myself try to set an example and represent Finland both on and off the field.
The story continues after the picture
In Okinawa, Finland achieved the minimum goal, i.e. a place in the Olympic qualifying tournament. Jenni Gästgivar
In addition to being Finnish, Markkanen is proud of his hometown. He also promised to bring his victory pole to Jyväskylä.
– Jyväskylä will always be home to me. Now we have already found several places where we enjoy ourselves, but yes, it is always the number one place and we will always return there.
– There were also a few people from Jyväskylä on the Athlete of the Year list. Yes, it says that things are done right there, Markkanen advised Kalle Rovanperän in the direction of.
In central Finland, several bodybuilding schools bearing Markkanen’s name have now sprung up.
– The number of fans is growing in Finland, and that is partly why we play here. Hopefully we will get even more players in the future. It is really important for me to be able to motivate young people and children. It’s a great honor that things are going so well there.
“The dream came true”
Markkanen’s most exciting moment last year was being selected for the NBA all-star game.
– My personal basketball dream came true. Pretty good start to the calendar year, Markkanen admitted.
– Then came the positive news when I received the award for the most developed player. That was cool.
The story continues after the picture
Markkanen (center) got to play the All-star game on the Utah Jazz’s own home field. PDO
Athlete of 2022 Iivo Niskanen had written a letter to his successor, according to the television broadcast of the gala evening. Markkanen had not yet had time to read the skier’s letter.
– I have heard the same rumor myself. If I had to guess, it’s definitely in that second prize.
– We just finished training and I’m going home now. Maybe in the evening I can check if there is anything there.
Markkanen also revealed somewhat surprisingly that Jyp might have lost his true talent.
– If basketball doesn’t count, I was always after hockey. I based my own Finnishness on a runaway success. It was the number one sport for me – along with basketball, of course.