The Bisons of Loimaa are back for their second season in the Korisliiga, aiming for the playoffs with a balanced mix of veteran experience and young talent. Long-time sponsor Dinolift continues to support the team through creative collaborations and shared community pride.
The Bisons of Loimaa, the heart and soul of Loimaa basketball, are back in the spotlight! After a rollercoaster of recent years, the team secured its place in the Korisliiga— top-tier professional basketball league in Finland —last season, and now they're set for their second consecutive year in the top tier. This season, the Bisons are laser-focused on one clear goal: making it to the playoffs.
Building on last year's success, the team has restructured its roster to strike a perfect balance between seasoned veterans and promising young talent. "We built the team differently this time," explains Team Manager Heikki Perho. "We've added more experienced players to guide our young talent. While winning is, of course, our goal, we're also focused on strategically developing our young players. We aim to even out the team, which could build a strong foundation for the future."
Two key players highlight this new approach. First, there's Aapeli Alanen, a familiar face returning to the Bisons. Having played for the team in the past and gained valuable experience with Finland's national team, Aapeli brings an all-around skillset and high basketball IQ on both offense and defense. His return is a significant boost to the teams' competitiveness as he brings his fiery, never-give-up mentality to Bisons.
Then there's Jeremiah Wood, an internationally renowned player from the US, well-known in Finnish basketball circles. With multiple championships across different countries under his belt, Jeremiah's experience and natural leadership are invaluable. His presence not only strengthens the team's performance but also provides mentorship to younger players.
This strategic blend of experienced veterans and energetic youth is designed not just to win games but to develop the team's overall capabilities for sustained success. "Our goal is to win, of course, but not just for the sake of winning," says Perho. "We want to develop our young players and create a cohesive team where everyone contributes."
The partnership between Dinolift and the Bisons goes back many years, built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared community values. "As a Loimaa-based company, supporting our local sports teams is something we take great pride in," says Mina Lim, Digital Marketing Specialist at Dinolift. "Our collaboration with the Bisons reflects the values we have with our community, and it's a partnership that benefits both sides."
One of the highlights of this partnership is the creative and fun collaborations we've had last year. Last season, for example, a Bisons player visited our factory and filmed a video shooting a basketball from the basket of one of our machines—an initiative we loved and that brought a fresh dynamic to our relationship. We're excited to continue exploring such ideas that bring together sports, local pride, and innovation.
Team Manager Heikki Perho also shared his thoughts on the enduring partnership: "We are grateful that Dinolift has been with us through both our highs and lows. Their support shows a strong sense of community, and we’re proud to partner with them as we continue building for the future."
As with previous years, our staff will receive complimentary tickets to the games, giving them the chance to cheer for their home team in person. We'll also be following the games closely, posting regular updates on our social media channels to keep fans informed and engaged.
Stay tuned as the Bisons continue their push for the playoffs in Korisliiga! You can find the season schedule here.