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There are currently 6809 ex-college players, who play 2017-18 season overseas
*the number is for both men and women players, who play outside of the U.S. (updated on 10/19/2017) Check Detailed list by College or by country

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My City!!!! - Oct 7, 2012

POSTED BY:
EUROBASKET CENTER

Hello Finland and Eurobasket Fans. I hope everyone is doing well. I am doing great and I give thanks to God for this glorious opportunity that he has brought forth to me for being here. Last night we had a game on the road against FoKoPo. We lost in overtime. In the beginning of the game, things were going well for us, and then when the game was winding down, they came back and ended up winning the game in overtime by 4 points. We did not get beat, we beat ourselves, which makes this loss hurt. But there is no time to sit and dwell on this loss. We will just have to reconnect back as a team, focus, and fix the things that we need to fix to get ready for our next opponent. Other than basketball, today we have the day off and I decided to take a stroll around to see what the Lappeeranta has to offer. I must say, for this being a small city, it has a lot to offer such as shopping centers, a mall, nice restaurants, and a lot of places to hang out each day, that seems to draw a lot of people. The best thing about this is that I live within five to ten minutes walking distance from everything. I have a car, but I like to walk and look at the scenery. The only reason for me driving, is if something is not within walking distance, or when i decide to go check out Helsenki, which I hear from a lot of people that is a MUST do trip. Also during my venture, I noticed that they have a couple of churches. One of my teammates said that there is a English speaking church that is close by to where I live. I definitely would be attending some services and I think this would be a great idea so that I could compare my church back home to a Finnish church. I grew up in the church, being that my father is a paster, so I love going to church to worship God and fellowship with people. I noticed a nice lake that I also past by today. I always see a lot of people walking a long it on my way to practice, so today I actually went done to see what it was about. I must say, that it is actually nice and is a good place to walk. With Russia being only 45 minutes away, you see a lot of tourist in the city coming to shop and just to hang out for the day. The city seems to always be busy in the day time, and you see a wide variety range of different types of people, which makes it interesting and not boring. Overall I like it because it makes me feel as if I am home in terms of majority of the people speak English, and just the way how Lappeeranta is. It makes me feel as if it is an American setting, which makes me feel comfortable. I appreciate and give thanks to all of the people who are following my blog and reading them. I promise to keep you updated on how things are going here in Finland and also the season. That is all i have for now. I hope everyone have a blessed day and stay tuned until next time......

Greg Logins #4
#NamikaBasketball

Annika Holopainen selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games- Oct.18, 2017 (by Eurobasket Center)

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Finnish players, who play currently abroad. This week's number one is former international forward Annika Holopainen (185-93). Sheto a victory against the closely-ranked Gruner Stern Keltern in the German DBBL in Sunday night's game. [read more]

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Finnish players, who play currently abroad.

Annika Holopainen

#1. This week's number one is former international forward Annika Holopainen (185-93, college: ODU, currently plays in Germany). She led TSV 1880 Wasserburg to a victory against the closely-ranked Gruner Stern Keltern (4-1) 76-67 in the German DBBL in Sunday night's game. Holopainen scored 12 points in a mere 18 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. TSV 1880 Wasserburg (5-0) is placed first in the DBBL. So far her team won all five games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Holopainen has relatively good stats this year: 11.0ppg, 3.8rpg, 2FGP: 48.6%, 3FGP: 11.1% and FT: 41.7% in five games she played so far. She played for the Finnish senior national team three years ago.

Sophie Weckstrom

#2. Second place goes to former international guard Sophie Weckstrom (173-93, college: Maine, currently plays in Spain). Weckstrom contributed to an easy victory against the third-ranked Oviedo (3-1) crushing them 72-49 in the Spanish LF2 (second division) last Saturday. She scored 8 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in Group A. Aros Patatas Hijolusa Leon (3-0) is placed first. So far her team won all three games in the Regular Season. But the season just started, so everything may happen. This year Weckstrom averages: 9.3ppg, 3.0rpg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 46.2%, 3FGP: 18.2% and FT: 55.6%. She played for the Finnish national team in 2015.

Anni Makitalo

#3. The Finnish player who performed third best last week abroad was an international forward Anni Makitalo (175-91, agency: SportsVision-Service, currently plays in Germany). Makitalo managed to help TH Wohnbau Angels Donau-Ries in a victory against the tenth-ranked SV Halle Lions (1-4) 85-78 in the German DBBL on Sunday night. She scored only 3 points in 17 minutes. TH Wohnbau Angels Donau-Ries (4-1) is placed second in the DBBL. But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen. This year Makitalo's overall stats are: 5.6ppg, 1.8rpg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3FGP: 11.1% and FT: 66.7% in five games. She played for the Finnish national team one years ago.

Vilma Kesanen

#4. Guard Vilma Kesanen (173-88, agency: ProDep Management, currently plays in Spain) contributed to a Real Canoe's victory against the leader Almeria (2-0) 75-66 in the Spanish LF2 (second division) in Saturday night's game. Kesanen scored only 2 points. Centros Unicos Real Canoe Madrid (3-0) is placed fourth in Group B. So far her team won all three games in the Regular Season. But there are still lots of games to play and it's a long way to go. Kesanen's total stats this season are: 3.7ppg and 2.7rpg. She used to play for the Finnish national team last year.

Petra Noponen

#5. Former U16 international forward Petra Noponen (174-96, currently plays in Latvia). Noponen could not help KK Tallinna Ulikool (1-2) to beat RSU-Merks (4-0). She did not have that impressive stats last Monday. Noponen scored only 3 points in 21 minutes. The fourth-placed KK Tallinna Ulikool (1-2) was crushed 84-56 on the road by the leading RSU-Merks in the Elite group. This year Noponen's total stats are: 7.3ppg, 2.7rpg and 1.7apg in three games. She used to play for the Finnish U16 national team six years ago.

Other top Finnish players, who play abroad:

Evita Iiskola (183-F-93) plays for Umbertide in Italian Serie A2
Sofia Pelander (192-C-92) plays for Norrkoping Dolphins in Swedish Damligan
Camilla Groenberg (179-SG-94) plays for Homburger TG in German 2.Bundesliga

Petteri Koponen selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games- Oct.18, 2017 (by Eurobasket Center)

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Finnish players, who play currently abroad. This week's number one is an international shooting guard Petteri Koponen (194-88). He contributed to an easy FC Barcelona's victory against the ninth-ranked Blusens Monbus in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Sunday night's game. [read more]

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Finnish players, who play currently abroad.

Petteri Koponen

#1. This week's number one is an international shooting guard Petteri Koponen (194-88, currently plays in Spain). He contributed to an easy victory against the ninth-ranked Blusens Monbus (2-2) crushing them 102-58 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Sunday night's game. Koponen recorded 8 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 20 minutes on the court. FC Barcelona Lassa (4-0) is placed first in the Liga Endesa. So far his team won all four games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. This year Koponen averages: 6.3ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.3apg, 2FGP: 33.3%, 3FGP: 33.3% in four games he played so far. Ex-Honka Espoo Playboys player is currently a member of the Finnish senior national team.

Sasu Salin

#2. Second place goes to an international shooting guard Sasu Salin (191-91, currently plays in Spain). He contributed to an easy victory against one of league's weakest teams Real Betis (0-4) crushing them 99-71 in the Spanish Liga Endesa last Saturday. Salin recorded 6 points. Unicaja Malaga (3-1) is placed sixth in the Liga Endesa. But the season just started, so everything may happen. It's Salin's first year with the team. His overall stats this season are: 5.8ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 25.0%, 3FGP: 17.6% and FT: 75.0%. Salin is in the roster of the Finnish senior national team.

Erik Murphy

#3. The Finnish player who performed third best last week abroad was an international power forward Erik Murphy (208-90, agency: Pro Partner Sports Management, college: Florida, currently plays in Basketball Champions League). He contributed to a JSF Nanterre's victory against the closely-ranked CEZ Nymburk (1-1) 81-72 in the Basketball Champions League on Tuesday night. Murphy recorded 9 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 19 minutes. JSF Nanterre (2-0) is placed in the Basketball Champions League. But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen. This year Murphy's overall stats are: 6.7ppg, 6.3rpg, 3FGP: 22.2% in three games. He is a naturalized American. Despite Murphy played previously for the USA U18 national team, he is currently a member of the Finnish senior national team. Strangely Murphy has never played in Finland.

Shawn Huff

#4. An experienced small forward Shawn Huff (198-84, college: Valparaiso, currently plays in Germany) led Deutsche Bank Skyliners to a 3-point victory against the 12th-ranked Mitteldeutscher BC (2-3) 96-93 in the German BBL in Sunday night's game. He scored 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Fraport Skyliners Frankfurt (4-1) is placed fifth in the BBL. But there are still lots of games to play and it's a long way to go. Huff has relatively good stats this season: 10.2ppg, 3.6rpg and 1.2apg. He is also Finnish national team player.

Antto Nikkarinen

#5. International point guard Antto Nikkarinen (185-91, agency: Blacktop Management, currently plays in Sweden) led KFUM Jamtland to a victory against the tenth-ranked Norrkoping Dolphins (0-4) 92-82 in the Swedish Basketligan last Friday. Nikkarinen scored 14 points and added 6 assists in 28 minutes. KFUM Jamtland Basket (2-0) is placed second in the Basketligan. This year Nikkarinen has relatively solid stats: 10.5ppg, 1.5rpg and 6.5apg in two games. He plays currently for the Finnish national team.

Roope Ahonen

#6. Guard Roope Ahonen (186-90, also represented by Blacktop Management, currently plays in Spain) could not help Ourense (0-3) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite Ahonen's very good performance Ourense was defeated 89-80 on the road by the much higher-ranked Sammic ISB (#7). He was the second best scorer with 15 points. Ahonen has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.7ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.7apg and 1.3spg. Ahonen is an international player who is currently on the senior Finnish National Team roster.

Carl Lindbom

#7. International small forward Carl Lindbom (206-91, currently plays in Lithuania) was not able to help the league outsider Juventus in their game against Dzukija (3-4) in the Lithuanian LKL. He recorded 8 points in 20 minutes. Juventus was edged 88-86 in Alytus by the higher-ranked (#6) Dzukija. So far Juventus lost all six games in the Regular Season. It's Lindbom's first season with the team. This year Lindbom's total stats are: 3.8ppg and 1.2rpg in six games. He is also Finnish national team player.

Matti Nuutinen

#8. Forward Matti Nuutinen (202-90, another player represented by Blacktop Management, currently plays in Romania) managed to help BCM U Pitesti to win against the closely-ranked BC Timisoara (0-1) 78-64 in the Romanian Liga Nationala last Sunday. Nuutinen scored only 3 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. BCM U Pitesti (1-1) is placed sixth in the Liga Nationala. Nuutinen has averaged so far 1.5ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.5apg and 1.5spg. He plays currently for the Finnish national team.

Vesa Heinonen

   #9. Former U20 international swingman Vesa Heinonen (194-91, agency: Mansfield and Associates, currently plays in Germany) helped Aschersleben win their game against the third-ranked Bergedorf (3-1) 85-67 in the German Regionalliga (fourth division) in Saturday night's game. He scored 14 points, made 7 passes and 4 steals. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group North. BG Aschersleben Tigers (4-0) is placed first. So far his team won all four games in the Regular Season. Heinonen has reliable stats this season: 14.8ppg, 4.0rpg, 5.0apg and 2.0spg. He used to play for the Finnish U20 national team six years ago.

The list of other players, who all have Finnish passport but never been selected to any of Finnish national teams:

   #1. Roberto Mantovani (203-F-94, college: Robert Morris, currently plays in Cyprus). Mantovani could not help the league outsider Apollon to beat Apoel. He recorded 5 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 21 minutes. It was his first game for Apollon this season. his team was crushed 96-67 on the road by the lower-ranked Apoel. Mantovani has a dual citizenship: Finnish and Cypriot.

   #2. Aleksis Psychas (202-C-87, currently plays in Spain) was not able to help Liceo Frances in their game against Teguise (2-2) in the Spanish EBA (fourth division). Psychas cannot count Saturday's game as one of the best ones. He scored only 2 points in 6 minutes on the court. The 13th-placed Liceo Frances (1-3) lost 75-83 on the opponent's court to the higher-ranked (#9) Teguise in the Group B. It was Liceo Frances' third consecutive loss in a row. Psychas has averaged so far 9.3ppg and 2.3rpg in three games he played so far.

Annika Holopainen selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games- Oct.11, 2017 (by Eurobasket Center)

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Finnish players, who play currently abroad. This week's number one is former international forward Annika Holopainen (185-93). She led TSV 1880 Wasserburg to a victory over the eighth-ranked SV Halle Lions in the German DBBL in Tuesday night's game. [read more]

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Finnish players, who play currently abroad.

Annika Holopainen

#1. This week's number one is former international forward Annika Holopainen (185-93, college: ODU, currently plays in Germany). She led TSV 1880 Wasserburg to a victory over the eighth-ranked SV Halle Lions (1-3) 82-74 in the German DBBL in Tuesday night's game. Holopainen was MVP of the game. She scored 18 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 26 minutes on the court; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Holopainen's first season in pro basketball. TSV 1880 Wasserburg (4-0) is placed second in the DBBL. So far her team won all four games in the Regular Season. But this is still an early stage of the season and everything may happen. Holopainen has relatively good stats this year: 10.8ppg, 4.3rpg, 2FGP: 60.7%(17-28), 3FGP: 25.0% in four games she played so far. She played for the Finnish senior national team three years ago.

Evita Iiskola

#2. Second place goes to an international forward Evita Iiskola (183-93, college: Providence, currently plays in Italy). Iiskola could not help Umbertide (1-1) in their last game on Saturday. Despite her very good performance the tenth-placed Umbertide (1-1) was defeated 73-66 on the road by the higher-ranked Roma SRB (#6) in the South group. Iiskola was the top scorer with 18 points. She also added 7 rebounds. But the season just started, so everything may happen. It's Iiskola's first year with the team. Iiskola has individually a very good season with high stats. She averages: 17.0ppg, 7.5rpg, 2.0apg, 2FGP: 57.9%(11-19). Iiskola played for the Finnish national team in 2016.

Petra Noponen

#3. The Finnish player who performed third best last week abroad was former U16 international forward Petra Noponen (174-96, currently plays in Latvia). She was the main contributor in a KK Tallinna Ulikool's victory against the fifth-ranked Latvijas Universitate (0-1) crushing them 77-56 in the Latvian LSBL on Sunday night. Noponen was the best player in that game. She recorded 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 28 minutes. It was her first game for KK Tallinna Ulikool this season. Her team is placed first in Elite group. But the season is still in it's first stage and everything can happen. Noponen played for the Finnish U16 national team six years ago.

Anni Makitalo

#4. Forward Anni Makitalo (175-91, agency: SportsVision-Service, currently plays in Germany) was not able to help TH Wohnbau Angels (3-1) in their last game on Saturday. Despite her very good performance TH Wohnbau Angels was defeated 89-84 in Heidelberg by the one of league's weakest teams BasCats (#11). Makitalo was the second best scorer with 15 points. But there are still lots of games to play and it's a long way to go. It's Makitalo's first season with the team. Her overall stats this year are: 6.3ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.3spg. Makitalo used to play for the Finnish national team last year.

Vilma Kesanen

#5. International guard Vilma Kesanen (173-88, agency: ProDep Management, currently plays in Spain) contributed to an easy victory against the seventh-ranked Distrito Olimpico (1-1) 69-54 in a derby game in the Spanish LF2 (second division) last Saturday. She scored 7 points and grabbed 4 rebounds in 18 minutes. Centros Unicos Real Canoe Madrid (2-0) is placed fourth in Group B. This year Kesanen's overall stats are: 4.5ppg and 2.5rpg in two games. She used to play for the Finnish national team last year.

Sophie Weckstrom

#6. Guard Sophie Weckstrom (173-93, college: Maine, currently plays in Spain) managed to help Aros Patatas Hijolusa Leon to win against the 14th-ranked Segle XXI (0-2) 63-52 in the Spanish LF2 (second division) on Saturday night. Weckstrom scored only 2 points. Aros Patatas Hijolusa Leon (2-0) is placed first in Group A. Weckstrom's total stats this season are: 10.0ppg, 2.0rpg and 1.5apg. She is a former international player as she played for the Finnish senior team two years ago.

Other top Finnish players, who play abroad:

Sofia Pelander (192-C-92) plays for Norrkoping Dolphins in Swedish Damligan
Camilla Groenberg (179-SG-94) plays for Homburger TG in German 2.Bundesliga

Petteri Koponen selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games Oct.11, 2017

Annika Holopainen selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games Oct.4, 2017

Sasu Salin selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games Oct.4, 2017

Kiana Johnson Will Return to Finland for 2017-18 Season Sep.19, 2017

Eurobasket.com All-Finnish Korisliiga Awards 2017 May.23, 2017

Eurobasket.com All-Finnish 1st Division A Awards 2017 Apr.11, 2017

Eurobasket.com All-Finnish 1st Division B Awards 2017 Apr.11, 2017

Vilma Kesanen selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games Mar.22, 2017

Annika Holopainen's double-double lands her Player of the Week award among Finns playing currently abroad: Mar.15, 2017

Petra Noponen selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games Mar.8, 2017

Annika Holopainen selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games Mar.1, 2017

Vilma Kesanen selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games Feb.22, 2017

Marianne Kalin selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games Feb.15, 2017

Vilma Kesanen selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games Feb.8, 2017

Sofia Pelander selected the top Finn playing abroad in last week's games Feb.1, 2017

First a little history about me - Nigel Moore Jun.20, 2016

Eurobasket.com All-Finnish League Awards 2016 Apr.28, 2016

Helmi Basket wins 1st Division Apr.5, 2016

Stats Leaders - Women Oct.24, 2005

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