Riga, Latvia – Before Lauri Markkanen, there was Hanno Mottola. The very first player coming out of Finland to play in the NBA with the Atlanta Hawks is living up close his team’s success.

Flash forward to FIBA EuroBasket 2025, he’s the assistant coach of the Finnish national team, helping out Lassi Tuovi to manage the country’s legendary run in the competition.

Speaking to Eurohoops on the eve of the Quarter-Finals against Georgia, he reflected on the current shape of Lauri Markkanen, the absolute protagonist of the Wolfpack.

“I played with his father, I’ve seen him since he was a young teenager, and I had the privilege to be part of his growth as a coach, throughout our high school academy [HBA-Märsky], and now for six, seven years in the men’s national team. I’m one few who’ve ha

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