Interview with Lassi Tuovi, former Strasbourg coach making waves with Finland: « Nobody expected us here! »
At 38, Lassi Tuovi is one of Europe’s most promising young coaches. The Lappeenranta native, who spent time with Strasbourg and Gravelines-Dunkerque, is experiencing his second consecutive EuroBasket quarter-final with Finland. On Saturday, he led the Susijengi to a historic victory against Nikola Jokic’s Serbia, who were favorites. Two days later, he gave a long interview discussing his journey, coaching style, staff composed of former legends and his future.
« Beating Jokic’s Serbia is a victory that builds the future »
On Saturday evening, Finland defeated Serbia. This perhaps represents the biggest victory in Finnish basketball history. For Tuovi, there’s no comparing achievements: « The 2017 tournament opener against France in Helsinki was huge, but this time, beating Serbia with Jokic is a victory that builds the future. It gives us more hope, more confidence. It proves we can beat the big nations, even in knockout stages. »
Already quarter-finalists in 2022 against Spain, Finland has gained maturity since then. « We learned that you need to improve throughout the tournament. Nobody expected us here, everyone saw Serbia facing France. But it’s Finland against Georgia. And that’s EuroBasket: there are always surprises. »
« Jantunen will be a superstar in the future »
Against Georgia this Wednesday at 4pm, Finland expects a radically different opposition. During Euro qualifications, the two teams had already faced each other on November 21 and 24, 2024, with Georgia winning both times. « They play slowly, with lots of post-ups. We shoot many 3-pointers. But that’s the beauty of EuroBasket: each team imposes its style. What matters is staying true to our qualities and putting them on the court. They’re a team that’s played together for years. For them like for us, it’s a national dream. Two small but proud and humble countries. »
Tuovi will have the opportunity to face Tornike Shengelia, whom he coached in clubs in 2022-2023: « I coached him at Bologna. » Against him, he’ll need to empower Mikael Jantunen. The former Paris Basketball power forward, signed by 2025 EuroLeague winner Fenerbahçe, is emerging as Finland’s #2 option behind Lauri Markkanen. « He improved a lot at Ostende (where he played in 2021-2022). He improved at Treviso. During summer, he progressed in the weight room. That’s the secret, he wants to improve every day and doesn’t just say it, he’s ready to do what it takes to get better. This is just the beginning for him and he’s already very important, as we saw against Jokic. He’ll be the superstar in the future. »
« Finnish basketball is a family »
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