In advance of the 2014 FIBA World Cup later this summer, three former Valparaiso men’s basketball players are among Finland’s 20-man preliminary squad which reported to training camp this week.

Samuel Haanpaa, Shawn Huff and Antti Nikkila are all looking to gain spots on the Wolf Pack’s final 12-man roster for the World Cup, Finland’s first-ever appearance in the event after earning a wild card berth.  The preliminary team reported for training camp earlier this week, with the final World Cup squad due for selection in a couple weeks.

Nikkila, who played at Valpo from 1999 through 2003 and is currently playing professionally in Finland, and Huff, who starred at Valpo from 2004 through 2008 and is currently playing in Germany’s top league, both represented Finland at both the 2011 and 2013 EuroBasket competitions.  Haanpaa, who played for the Crusaders from 2006 through 2008 and is currently playing professionally in Spain, joined Huff and Nikkila on Finland’s 2013 squad as well.