HELSINKI (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The Finnish national team has gone so far, so quickly, in international basketball that many in the northern European country can hardly believe it's true.

But Finnish people, know this: you are not asleep and in the middle of a dream.

The Wolfpack have indeed gone from competing in EuroBasket Division B just several years ago to a spot in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

After back-to-back appearances at the EuroBaskets in Lithuania (2011) and Slovenia (2013), where Finland were roared on by a huge traveling contingent of fans, the Henrik Dettmann-coached side received one of four wild cards to play at the World Cup in Spain.

Group C games in Bilbao against the USA, the Dominican Republic, Ukraine, New Zealand and another wild card team, Turkey, are coming up.

One of the players who has made the journey from EuroBasket Division B to the most important basketball tournament in the sport with Finland is Shawn Huff.

Huff, whose father hailed from Illinois and travelled to Finland to play professionally over three decades ago, is a 1.98m shooting guard born in Helsinki.

Huff spoke to FIBA.com.

FIBA: Shawn, what were your thoughts in February when Finland discovered they would play at the FIBA Basketball World Cup?
Huff: I thought it was amazing. I couldn't believe that it was true. It was a dream that no one dared to dream that we would make the World Championship one day. Just a few years ago, we were just trying to get to the European Championship and now we're playing in the World Championship and it seems that we have come a long way in a short space of time.

FIBA: The Finland team seems to have captured the imagination of sports fans in the country.
Huff: Our success has brought some attention to basketball and people have been very excited about this and it showed (at EuroBasket 2013) in Slovenia where we had a couple of thousand fans at each game. It was an unbelievable feeling (playing in front of them). At the previous championship (EuroBasket 2011 in Lithuania), we made it at the last minute and people didn't have a chance to book their trip. When we made it the second time, people wanted to make sure they were going to be there.

FIBA: Not only are you going to be at the World Cup, but on opening day the opponents will be the USA. This is going to be one of the highlights of your career, no doubt.
Huff: I think in any field when you get to test your skills against the best in the world, it's a highlight. That's something everyone hoped for, to play them. We never thought we'd be in the World Championship and as a bonus, we get to play the USA.

FIBA: While the USA are favorites to win the group, the rest of the pool is characterized by its balance. There doesn't seem to be too much to separate Finland, Turkey, the Dominican Republic, Ukraine and New Zealand.
Huff: There are no weak teams in the World Championship so every second and every minute of every game matters. It will come down to the small details.

FIBA: Coach Dettmann said after Finland received the wild card that there are no guarantees for selection. Do you think you have to show up at training camp and prove yourself to him and the other coaches all over again?
Huff: For me, personally, I want to keep improving and getting better every year. It's something I don't have to think about consciously. When I show up, I always give my best and try my hardest.

FIBA: You only just signed a two-year contract extension with Ludwigsburg, a team you helped make the Bundesliga playoffs. How did this first year in Germany go after playing the previous season in Italy?
Huff: There was definitely an adjustment period to the league in the beginning but after I got used to my teammates and the style of play, I think I adapted. I enjoyed it. I think (coach) John Patrick is a great tactician, prepares a lot for games.

FIBA: The competitiveness of the league?
Huff: I think top to bottom, it's very competitive, fast-paced, high-intensity very aggressive style games.

FIBA: Presumably you are glad to have just signed a new contract with Ludwigsburg instead of being a free agent heading into the summer when you want to focus on the World Cup?
Huff: Knowing where I'm going to be next year and not worrying about the contract, it's a stabilizing situation.

FIBA: Your father came from Alton, Illinois, but you have another connection to the United States. You had four years at Valparaiso University in the country's basketball heartland, Indiana. Looking back, are you glad to have had that experience?
Huff: Definitely. I got to improve my game individually and it was a good experience. I think college is a great place, both for the education, but basketball wise it's good because it helps you improve.

FIBA: Should everyone go the college route?
Huff: If you are ready to play at the top level, maybe it's not for you. I think every person has to look at their situation individually and see what they need. I think I had improvements I had to make and I still think I have to keep improving. You don’t stop improving, ever. But I think there were some things that made me work and helped me become a more solid player. I also wanted the education in case basketball didn’t work out.

FIBA