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Mitchell Layton/NBA Photos
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Hoop Dreams
Hanno Möttölä…
First Finn in the NBA
In the spring of 2000, 6'10" Hanno Möttölä became the first basketball player from Finland to join the NBA when he signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta
Hawks. Möttölä, 25, was born in Helsinki, Finland. His 19 years of practice combined with his strong will to succeed turned his dream of becoming a professional athlete into a reality.
In 1991, Möttölä came to U.S. to play in junior level summer tournaments. In 1996, he received a basketball scholarship from the University of Utah and played under legendary head coach Rick Majerus. In
August 1998, Möttölä set the Finnish National Team record for most points in a game when he scored 43 against Latvia. He earned the First Team All-Mountain West Conference honors as a senior at the
University of Utah. Also, during his senior year he led Utah in scoring 14 times and averaged 17 points per game. Last year, Möttölä graduated with a degree in economics.
The FINN-ISH LINE’s associate editor, Tiina Alanko recently met up with Möttölä
at the Atlanta Hawk’s Philips Arena. Excerpts from their conversation follow:
Finn-Power: When did you first visit the U.S.?
Möttölä:
I came to the U.S. in 1991 to play in junior level summer tournaments and a few years later I received a basketball scholarship from the University of Utah.
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Scott Cunningham/NBA Photos
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FP: Why did you choose the University of Utah?
M: I had about 30 to 40 schools in mind while in high school, but when I visited Utah, I really liked the coaches and the
people. Overall, it turned out to be a very good decision.
FP: Is your family in Finland?
M: My entire family lives in Finland. In addition to my parents, I have a brother,
Matias and a sister, Anna. I go back to Finland every summer. Actually, my brother just spent one month here and my father has been to the U.S. a couple of times this year. My family visited the
U.S. last Christmas, which was very nice.
FP: What do you miss the most about Finland?
M: Well, next to family and friends, I miss the nature and Helsinki in the
summertime. I enjoy living in Atlanta during the winter, however, when it is very cold and dark in Finland. This is going to be the first time in five years that I will spend the spring in Finland, so it will be
very special to me.
FP: Are you involved with any charitable organizations?
M: We call the Hawks “The Team With Heart.” I am involved in all the charities
that the Hawks sponsor. We have several programs to benefit the youth in the Atlanta area. For instance, we go to schools to talk to students. Last night I was
reading books for some elementary school children. For every 14 books each student reads, he or she receives two tickets to one of our games. Each program
encourages the kids to improve their lives as students and to be better citizens in their community.
FP: How many European players are currently in the NBA?
M:
Last year there were 17. This year I think that there are about 45 international players, who come from 28 different countries. The European players mostly come
from Yugoslavia, Croatia, Serbia and Lithuania. There is also one player from Germany and one from England. On the Hawks, we have Tony Kukoc from Croatia and me.
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Fernando Medina/NBA Photos
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FP: What influence have the European players had on the NBA?
M: It definitely makes the game more interesting. Last week we played against the first Chinese player in the NBA,
Zhizhi Wang. There were people from eight countries in that game, which is remarkable compared to 10 years ago when the NBA probably had only one or two players from other countries. In my
opinion, this is what makes the game exciting and the fans like it as well. The situation reminds me of the NHL where half the players are from Europe. However, it is never going to get to that
level in the NBA, but it definitely brings a new flavor to each game.
FP: What difference have you noticed between the U.S. and European players in the NBA?
M:
Overall, the European “Big Men” are usually seen as more finesse players while the U.S. players are mostly seen as tougher and better rebounders.
FP: What did it take to become the first Finn in the NBA?
M: My success is simply a result of a long career. I have played 19 years. During the last few years, however, everything has changed very quickly. Hopefully I can
help influence the transition of other Finns to play college basketball in the U.S.
FP: Are there many Finns that have the potential to play in the NBA?
M:
Absolutely. I am sure there are more talented young Finnish basketball players today compared to when I was growing up. But, then again, this is the toughest professional sport league in the world to get into.
FP: What are the strengths of your game?
M: I am a player who understands the game and can shoot very well. The game
itself differs from college games, such as rules and the grueling schedule of 83 games.
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Fernando Medina/NBA Photos
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FP: Next to your basketball career, do you have time for any other interests?
M: During the summer I like to play soccer with my friends. During the season, my
fiancée and I go to movies and to many restaurants. We mainly like to relax together. Our schedules are very busy. We have a game every other day for five straight months.
FP: What advice can you give to young players
who dream about playing in the NBA?
M: I am a great example of what a player can achieve with practice and determination. I was not the strongest, nor the best player when I was on the junior
teams. I was just this skinny guy who was fairly tall. I never gave up and always kept practicing and took advantage of the opportunities that were presented to me. Obviously, you will always need talent and
good sense to make the right decisions. Luckily, I ended up at a very good school when I chose the University of Utah.
FP: What is your goal for the next season?
M:
Obviously to play for the Atlanta Hawks and to improve as a player. This was my first year, so hopefully next year my game will be more consistent.
FP: What are your predictions for the future of the Atlanta Hawks?
M: We are definitely going to do much better this year. We had a very tough year with the injuries, trades and a new coach. Next year we are setting our sights
higher and we have to demand more of ourselves. It is our goal to make the playoffs. There are a lot of young guys on our team, and I truly think that we are the team of the future.
FP: What are your professional plans after basketball?
M: Hopefully once I get my NBA career in line, I can start thinking about my future. I will return to Finland and perhaps start my own business. However,
improving my basketball skills is the highest priority in my life at this time.
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710 Remington Road