Softly spoken and fair-haired, NBS Nelson Giants Finnish import Eemi Luukkonen cuts an unlikely figure in a sport known for its noise and bravado.
But anyone who watched the Giants’ clash with the Taranaki Airs last Saturday knows that when it comes to scoring, Eemi has already stamped himself as one of the Sal’s National Basketball League’s most effective performers.
The six foot seven small forward arrived in Nelson three weeks ago after most recently playing for Kauhajoki in his home nation of Finland. It is the first time he has played for a club outside his homeland, but he says the welcome he has received has made the transition an easy one.
“The culture of the team is so good – it’s been really easy to come in when the vibes are as positive as they are. I watched the first two games of the season before I came over, and all the videos on the team’s social media pages, and I could tell I was coming over to a well-connected team,” Eemi says.
His Giants debut came against the Wellington Saints and, despite having been in the country for just five days, he showed glimpses of the player coach Michael Fitchett was keen to bring into the squad.
One week later, Eemi announced himself in emphatic fashion.
Against the Airs, he was named player of the game after finishing with 20 points and 11 rebounds on 88% shooting. Known in Europe for his physical presence and rebounding, his work at both ends of the floor was a major factor in the Giants’ 107–91 victory.
Defence is an area of the game Eemi relishes, but it has also highlighted one of the biggest differences between European basketball and the New Zealand league.
“Back home the refereeing is far more lenient on physicality in the paint, so it’s been an adjustment getting used to what is allowed and what is frowned on here. I’m still learning, but a big thing for me is staying out of foul trouble. So far, it’s going well.”
Eemi wears the number 77 on his Giants singlet as a tribute to his father, who played top-level basketball in Europe.
“He wore the number seven, and I wore seven in Finland as well, so it’s a nice way to honour that legacy. It’s also (European legend) Luka Doncic’s number, which is cool.”
Having represented Finland at under-20 level, Eemi has ambitions to play at the highest level of the game, including the possibility of NCAA basketball in the United States. At 23, he still has two years of eligibility remaining.
For now, however, his focus is firmly on helping the Giants climb the Sal’s NBL ladder.
“Towards the end of the season I might start looking at the future a little more, but I’m not getting too far ahead of myself; right now, I just want to contribute to the Giants and help us head towards a title.”
