Former NBA Prospect Dominates Finnish League, Aiming for Higher Tiers
Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- De’Vion Harmon, a former U.S. junior national team player, is dominating Finland's Korisliiga with an average of 28 points per game.
- Harmon previously played with future NBA stars at the University of Oklahoma and aims for a higher-level league.
- His exceptional performance, including a 47-point game, has led Kataja Basket to the finals and drawn comparisons to other players who have used the Finnish league as a stepping stone.
De’Vion Harmon's explosive performance in Finland's Korisliiga is a testament to the league's growing reputation as a proving ground for international talent. Harmon, who played alongside future NBA stars like Austin Reaves and Jalen Green at the University of Oklahoma, has found a new lease on his professional career in Joensuu. His remarkable scoring average of 28 points per game, the second-highest this millennium, has been instrumental in leading Kataja Basket to the finals. This season, Harmon has showcased an unparalleled ability to take over games, exemplified by his 47-point outburst against the Helsinki Seagulls. While the Finnish league may not be the NBA, it offers a platform for players like Harmon to hone their skills and attract attention from higher-level European leagues. Coach Petri Virtanen believes Harmon is destined for greater success, potentially in top European leagues, mirroring the trajectory of players like Both Gach. The league's ability to attract such talent is a positive reflection of its development and the success stories that emerge from it, with Harmon's agent also representing last year's standout, Naje Smith, underscoring the league's growing appeal.
I don't have to go and score 30 every night. We have a great team, and if I'm asked to do 30 or 47, I'll do it. If others put their shots in, I'll move the ball. When you play like that, the basketball gods reward you.
Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.