Prospect Spotlight: Aapeli Syrjamaki (2018)
We first met Aapeli Syrjamaki in November during Open Gym at St. Mary’s Ryken, and have been very impressed with how far he’s come in just four months.
“I grew a foot in the last year,” said the 7-footer from Finland, who’s been playing basketball for over 9 years. “I’ve been trying to be a better big man.”
Syrjamaki admittedly needs to work on everything, but we did notice he has excellent touch, and range on his perimeter shot to go along with a quick release.
“I’m a big man. Shooter,” Syrjamaki said about his playing style. “I can score points and assist teammates.”
Syrjamaki will translate to the next level as a stretch big, but is becoming an forceful paint presence defensively. He finished top three in blocked shots, rebound average, and defensive rebound average at the Metro Challenge this past weekend.
“My grades are decent. This is my first year studying english,” said Syrjamaki about his academic situation. “I have a 3.0 and it’s improving.”
It remains to be seen how quickly Syrjamaki can make a consistent long-term impact at the next level, but he will certainly get an opportunity this spring and summer on the EYBL with Team Takeover. What can a college coach expect from the big man at the next level?
“Hard work. Being good everywhere they expect me to be.”