The Bisons men's basketball program added some Finnish flair today, announcing the commitment of 6'9" forward Paavo Makkonen from Lahti. Makkonen is the first student-athlete from Finland to play for the program in head coach Kirby Schepp's 18-year tenure. Manitoba has a history of success recruiting from Finland in other sports, with two-time Olympic Bronze medalist Venla Hovi helping the women's hockey program to their first-ever national title in 2018. 

Makkonen – a 2025 high school graduate who didn't start playing basketball until April of 2023 – most recently played for Lahti Basketball in the Korisliiga, which is the top men's league in Finland. While there, he had the chance to practice against pro players from Finland and the States, which was a valuable learning experience. Makkonen also suited up for Team Pajulahti, where he was the Player of the Year in 2023-24 and received the Heart and Hustle Award in 2024-25.

"Paavo is going to be a big addition to the program in both the short and the long term," said Schepp. 

"He is still very raw and in many ways relatively new to the game, but we love how much he has grown as a player in a short amount of time. Able to play both inside and out, we believe Paavo fits our style of play and will be an impactful player in Canada West."

A two-way force, Makkonen averaged 10.9 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game, 1.7 assists per game and 1.2 blocks per game for Pajulahti in 2025-26. He suited up in 21 games, averaging 28.1 minutes per game, while shooting 54.3 percent from three-point range, and hitting on 83.3 percent of his free throws attempts. Makkonen finished in the top five in blocks, and top four in free throw percentage overall in the league (Men's 1B 1^st Division). He was captain of his junior team and assistant captain for Team Pajulahti. earning significant minutes and gaining valuable experience competing at a high level as a starter.

"I started playing basketball in 2023 and have developed quickly through consistent hard work and dedication. I have successfully balanced school and sport at a high level and I bring a strong work ethic and continuous drive to improve. I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the University of Manitoba Bisons basketball team. I want to thank coach Kirby Schepp and the coaching staff for believing in me and giving me this opportunity," said Makkonen. 

"I also want to thank my family, loved ones and coaches who have pushed me this far and for their continued support. I'm excited to work, learn hard and contribute to the team, and to bring some Finnish sisu (tenacity and grit) with me from Finland. Becoming a member of the Bisons family and the Herd is an honour."