Pekka Markkanen
Pekka Juha Markkanen (born May 28, 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.
 Markkanen, in September 2017. | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 28, 1967 Pori, Finland |
| Nationality | Finnish |
| Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Listed weight | 242 lb (110 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Kansas (1989–1990) |
| Playing career | 1985–2007 |
| Position | Center |
| Career history | |
| 1985–1988 | Helsingin NMKY |
| 1988–1989; 1990–1993 | Hongikon Nuorisoseuran Urheilijat |
| 1993–1994 | Sant Josep |
| 1994–1995 | ZTE |
| 1995–1996 | Bamberg TSK |
| 1996–1998 | Torpan Pojat |
| 1998–2000 | SLUC Nancy |
| 2000 | HoNsU |
| 2000–2001 | Säynätsalon Riento |
| 2001–2002 | BC Jyväskylä |
| 2007 | Kataja |
| 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 Chicago Bulls 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
- "Maaleja, Markkanen!" (in Finnish). Iltalehti, April 6, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2014.
- "Kuvat urheilun superperheen albumista – tästä syystä NBA-lupaus Lauri Markkanen lopetti jääkiekon". Ilta-Sanomat (in Finnish). August 31, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2017.
- http://www.hs.fi/urheilu/a1406084144182