DENVER  - University of Denver men's basketball head coach Jeff Wulbrun announced the signing of Touko Tainamo on Wednesday. The incoming freshman has signed his National Letter of Intent (NLI) to continue his academic and athletic career with the Pioneers.
 
The 6-foot-9 forward from Finland will join DU as a freshman after spending the past year playing for DME Academy in Daytona, Fla., where he averaged a double-double (17.0 points and 10.0 rebounds) as a post graduate.
 
"Touko is a very versatile post player," Wulbrun said. "At 6-foot-9, he has the ability to create off the bounce for himself and his teammates, knock down open 3s and is an effective back-to-the-basket player. 
 
Tainamo also is a member of the Finland National Team, playing for the U18 squad at the FIBA U18 European Championship in 2019, where he averaged 8.3 points and 5.7 rebounds. The freshman forward brings the ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting while showing off an ability to work down on the low block with good feet and touch around the rim.
 
"His national team experience on Finland's 18U team has proven valuable to his growth and development as a player," Wulbrun said. "Additionally, his post graduate year at DME Academy allowed him to face tough competition night in and night out, gave him added strength and improved many facets of his game. We are just thrilled to have Touko join our DU basketball family."
 
Tainamo will also be attending training camp for the Finland U20 National Team this upcoming summer.

"Touko is very hard working young man who will bring great energy and a high skill level to the Denver program," Hanno Möttölä, former NBA player, said about his former player he coached. "Touko has a very bright future and I am sure he will help lead DU to top of the Summit League.
 
"Touko brings also ton of international experience with him to Denver. He has played in multiple junior European Championships and played against high-level competition with Helsinki Basketball Academy in Finnish First Division. I am very happy for Touko and looking forward to following the Pioneers this upcoming season."

 Denver has started its offseason workouts in preparation for the upcoming 2021-22 season.   
 
Season Ticket Deposits:
Deposits are being accepted for season tickets for the 2021-22 season. For more information, click here.
 
Coronavirus Updates: 
For the latest University of Denver updates on the coronavirus, click here. 
 
COVID Relief Fund: 
University of Denver Athletics and Recreation announced the launch of the 5280 COVID Relief Fund in September, a yearlong campaign with a goal of raising $1 million that will go towards supporting divisional operating costs negatively affected by COVID-19. Click here to donate to the 5280 Together COVID Relief Fund.  
 
– 5280 Together –  
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 18 of DU's NCAA Division I sports. 
Like Denver Pioneers on Facebook 
Follow @DU_Pioneers on Twitter 
Follow @DenverPioneers on Instagram