The Nordic country pulled off arguably the upset of the century (PHOTO: FIBA)
Mikael Jantunen, Finland stun EuroBasket favorite Serbia
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For Mikael Jantunen and his Finland teammates, they – and every Finn across the world – are never going to forget the events of Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Up against Serbia, the overwhelming favorite to go all the way at EuroBasket 2025, Finland stunned Nikola Jokic and co. by triumphing 86-92 in Riga, Latvia, to book its place in the last eight – the second time in a row it has reached the quarterfinals.
It was a night when many players became heroes, of which Jantunen – who debuted in the EuroLeague last season with Paris Basketball and signed for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul in this off-season – is one.
The 25-year-old played 30 minutes for Finland, only behind the 34 minutes of Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, and finished the contest with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists, with his final assist being for Elias Valtonen’s dagger three-pointer at 81-87. But as Paris fans got to see up close and personal over the last two years, Jantunen offers a lot more than what you see on the stats sheet.
Playing under his compatriot Tuomas Iisalo at Paris in 2023-24, Jantunen’s energy and hustle were a key component in the French side winning the BKT EuroCup in such dominant fashion and booking its ticket to the EuroLeague. Even though many expected Paris to simply make up the numbers in the EuroLeague, the Finn and the rest of the roster left people’s jaws on the floor right from Round 1 before eventually downing Real Madrid in the Play-In Showdown and facing Fenerbahce in the playoffs.
That same determination to win was evident from Jantunen on Saturday night. Just like Paris was continuously doubted last season, the same could be said of Finland heading into this Round of 16 clash with Serbia. But if there is a player you want on your team in these situations, it is Jantunen – a man who specializes in helping his team defy the odds.