Finland have named their final squad for the upcoming FIBA World Cup as they prepare for the game of their lives against the USA on opening day in Bilbao.
The Finns will be without NBA veteran Drew Gooden, who has not been cleared to play in the tournament in Spain. His application for duel citizenship will not be approved in time for the event. Gooden, whose mother is Finnish played for the Washington Wizards last season.
Still, coach Henrik Dettman has picked a solid squad for the World Cup with nine Eurobasket survivors from last year – led by Pettori Koponen and Gerald Lee. There are three newcomers to the squad that will travel to Bilbao to face the United States, Turkey, Ukraine, Dominican Republic and New Zealand.
Along with Grenada, where the hosts will be playing their preliminary round games, Bilbao, where Finland are housed is already becoming one of the favoured destinations as well due to the USA’s participation.
Finland roster:
Petteri Koponen
Teemu Rannikko
Sasu Salin
Tuukka Kotti
Erik Murphy
Hanno Möttölä
Gerald Lee Jr.
Shawn Huff
Mikko Koivisto
Antero Lehto
Matti Nuutinen
Kimmo Muurinen
