Pekka Markkanen

Pekka Juha Markkanen (born 28 May 1967) is a Finnish former professional basketball player. He was named the Finnish Basketball Player of the Year, by Finnish sports journalists, in 1989, 1993, and 1996.

Pekka Markkanen
Markkanen, in September 2017.
Personal information
Born (1967-05-28) 28 May 1967
Pori, Finland
NationalityFinnish
Listed height6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Listed weight242 lb (110 kg)
Career information
CollegeKansas (1989–1990)
Playing career1985–2007
PositionCenter
Career history
1985–1988Helsingin NMKY
1988–1989; 1990–1993Hongikon Nuorisoseuran Urheilijat
1993–1994Sant Josep
1994–1995ZTE
1995–1996Bamberg TSK
1996–1998Torpan Pojat
1998–2000SLUC Nancy
2000HoNsU
2000–2001Säynätsalon Riento
2001–2002BC Jyväskylä
2007Kataja
Career highlights and awards

College career

Markkanen played college basketball at the University of Kansas, with the Kansas Jayhawks (1989–1990).

Professional career

During his pro club career, Markkanen won three Finnish League championships, in 1987, 1997, and 1998. He was named the Finnish League's Finnish Player of the Year, in 1989.

National team career

Markkanen had 129 caps (games played) with the senior Finnish national basketball team.

Personal life

Markkanen is the father of Utah Jazz basketball player Lauri Markkanen and professional football player Eero Markkanen, formerly on Real Madrid Castilla.[1] His third son Miikka, also played basketball, before retiring early due to injuries. The boys' mother and Markkanen's ex-wife[2] Riikka (née Ellonen), was also a basketball player.[3]

References
  1. "Maaleja, Markkanen!" (in Finnish). Iltalehti, April 6, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  2. "Kuvat urheilun superperheen albumista – tästä syystä NBA-lupaus Lauri Markkanen lopetti jääkiekon". Ilta-Sanomat (in Finnish). 31 August 2017. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  3. "Eero on Markkasten koripalloperheen musta lammas - Jalkapallo - Urheilu - Helsingin Sanomat". Archived from the original on 11 July 2015.


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