Finland is heading to its first-ever semifinal appearance at the tournament (PHOTO: FIBA)
Mikael Jantunen takes Finland to new EuroBasket heights
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The two Cinderella stories at EuroBasket 2025 came head to head on Wednesday afternoon, but in the end it was Finland which advanced to the semifinals at the expense of Georgia – thanks in large part to new Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul forward Mikael Jantunen.
In a 93-79 victory, the 25-year-old finished as the Player of the Game after netting 19 points – which tied his competition-best mark – while also grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing 2 assists and making 1 steal. His importance to Finland's triumph was exemplified by his +12 in the plus-minus column.
This isn't the first game in which Jantunen has had a telling impact, either. While Serbia was largely expected to waltz its way into the quarterfinals, the former Paris Basketball player was an integral part in Finland pulling off one of the biggest shocks in FIBA basketball history as it won 86-92 to set up a last-eight date with Georgia.
Another of Finland's stars, Lauri Markkanen, earned many plaudits that night, but Jantunen's heroics at this EuroBasket tournament have already given him legendary status back home.
The beautiful thing is that there is at least still one more chapter to be written in Finland and Jantunen's story. Finnish basketball now finds itself in unchartered territory, but the Wolf Pack – as Finland's nickname goes – remain hungry and want more.
A semifinal against reigning world champion Germany or Luka Doncic's Slovenia awaits, so it will be far from easy. But Jantunen and his teammates wouldn't have it any other way.