Toivonen the latest signee for Ohlone

From Ohlone Coach John Peterson:

Ohlone College freshman Lauri Toivonen has signed with D-1 University of Texas, Pan American. The 6-foot-7, 220 pound four man was a first team all-conference selection at Ohlone as a freshman, after averaging 10 points and six rebounds per contest. He shot 52% from the field, 75% from the foul line line and played over 30 minutes a night. 


Toivonen came to Ohlone from Riihimaki, Finland.  He played for KOUVOT KOUVOLA prior to attending Ohlone, as well as competing on both the Under 20 National team at the 2011 European Championships and World University Games in China last August. 


He will have three years of eligibility remaining and will be majoring in civil engineering. In addition to his excellent play on the floor, Lauri had a 3.89 GPA.


“Lauri is by far one of the three toughest players I have coached in my 20 years on the college level, and easily has the highest basketball IQ. I am really pleased that he was able to turn his one year investment at Ohlone into a great three year deal at UTPA. Their style of play (triangle offense) suits him perfectly as it is the national team offense in Finland. I’m certain he will have great success on and off the court.”


Lauri is the sixth Renegade to move on this year, and the 82nd in the last 12 years. Others from this season include Mihk McKinney (Sacramento State), Oivind Lundestad (Point Loma Nazarene), Geoff Hartman (Notre Dame de Namur), Terrance Swayne (Holy Names) and Nick Clarke (U. of New Brunswick).