Icelandic Farmer Tryggvi Hlinason, Now a Top Rebounder and Counter in Eurobasket, Challenges The Blues in Upcoming Game

Icelandic Basketball Star Tryggvi Hlinason Shines at Eurobasket

Tryggvi Hlinason, the towering figure of Icelandic basketball, has been making waves at the Eurobasket tournament. The 27-year-old, standing at 2.16m, has been the top scorer (16.3 points) and leading rebounder (12 per game) for his team, and is also the team's leading blocker (2.5).

Hlinason's rapid rise in the basketball world began just three years after discovering the sport. Craig Pedersen, his coach, found that he had an innate sense of the game, a trait that was also noted by Hlynur Baeringsson, the former Icelandic captain. This was evident even before Hlinason revealed himself at the Euro U20 2017, where he scored 16.1 points, grabbed 11.6 rebounds, and blocked 3.1 shots.

Valencia recruited Hlinason before his U20 debut, a testament to his potential. His play style is characterized by his defensive focus, a trait he admires in Joakim Noah and Kristaps Porzingis.

Hlinason's upbringing on a farm in Bingeyjarsveit, isolated during snowstorms, has prepared him in many ways for his basketball career. He had never watched a basketball game before, as he was too busy with a demanding daily life on the farm. The significant event of shearing the sheep was a source of homesickness for Hlinason before his senior debut.

Hlinason's mobility and instinctive movements were noted by his early coaches, including Craig Pedersen. His play style is described as feeling the game, knowing when to jump, and when to stay on the ground. This ability to control the rhythm of the game and his instinctive decision-making have been key to his success.

Hlinason's team, Iceland, may be last and already eliminated from the Eurobasket, but they still have a chance to cause an upset against the French team this Thursday. Hlinason has already troubled Israel, Poland, and Slovenia at the tournament, and the French team, with a depleted interior, will have to beware of him.

Despite his success, Hlinason remains proud to represent his "little country" at the Eurobasket. His early role model was Joakim Noah, but he is now more inspired by Kristaps Porzingis. Hlinason became a solid Liga ACB player, averaging 7.7 points and 6.2 rebounds last season with Bilbao, which is the most reputed championship in Europe.

Hlinason expressed regret for missing the shearing of the sheep, a significant event on his farm. He expressed his desire to become the face of basketball in his country in 2017, and Iceland's basketball team revolves around him. His progression in basketball was rapid, attending his first training session without shoes in Akureyri in January 2014.

Hlinason represented the Iceland national team in the EuroBasket 2021 season, and his coaches continue to be impressed by his abilities. He is a testament to the power of determination and the potential for success in unexpected places.

Icelandic Farmer Tryggvi Hlinason, Now a Top Rebounder and Counter in Eurobasket, Challenges The Blues in Upcoming Game