Lauri Makkanen of the Utah Jazz, a leading candidate for the National Basketball Association (NBA) Skills Improvement Award, will enlist after this season.
This is because he is from Finland, which has a conscription system.
In an interview with ESPN on the 6th (Korean time), Makanen said, “If you are a Finnish citizen, you must serve in the military.”
He added, “I think it will be an exemplary service. He is confident that he can fulfill his military service duty without affecting his preparation for the next season.”
In Finland, which implements a conscription system like Korea, men between the ages of 18 and 60 are obliged to serve in the military according to the constitution.
According to the British daily Telegraph, about 22,000 enlist each year.
This is because after the ‘Winter War’ with the Soviet Union in 1939-1940 during World War II, Russia has been constantly wary of the possibility of a re-invasion먹튀검증
You can enlist from the age of 18, and the maximum age to postpone military service for reasons such as studies is 30.
Born in 1997, Makanen lived in Finland before joining the University of Arizona, a member of the National Collegiate Sports Association (NCAA).
Utah (36-43), which is ranked 12th in the Western Conference, is aiming for a play-in tournament with teams ranked 7-10.
If Utah’s season ends with the regular league in early April, enlistment will also take place in the spring.
If you advance to the Playoffs (PO) through a play-in tournament, it will be deferred to the summer.
According to ESPN, Makkanen serves at the ‘Army Military Physical Education School’ near Helsinki.
Like Korea’s Armed Forces Sports Corps (Sangmu), it is a place where sports players can exercise during their service period, and it is an institution that trains athletes as reconnaissance troops by making use of their superior physical abilities than ordinary people.
165 days or 347 days depending on the position, such as general enlisted or officer.
Which of the two terms of service will apply to Makkanen is expected to be confirmed as the position is assigned during post-enlistment training.
Makkanen’s agent said, “The player always talked about military service. I think it’s very important to fulfill your military duty without receiving preferential treatment just because you’re a celebrity.”
Makkanen, who traded to Utah from the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead of this season, is playing his best since entering the NBA in 2017.