Who is Miikka Muurinen, the Finnish « Slim Jesus », EuroBasket sensation?

Behind his childlike face and youthful gait, Miikka Muurinen (6’11 », 18 years old) has emerged as the sensation of this uninhibited Finnish team. At just 18, he played crucial minutes in the fourth quarter and brought the whole arena to life with a « signature » dunk. Against Serbia, a heavy pre-tournament favorite, he added hot shooting from long range, with two three-pointers, including one right in Nikola Jokic’s face.

Golden basketball roots in Finland

Son of former Finnish international players, Miikka Muurinen grew up immersed in basketball. His father, Kimmo Muurinen (156 caps with the men’s team), almost signed with Nanterre when Pascal Donnadieu was coaching the club. His mother, Jenni Muurinen (née Laaksonen), has 68 caps with the women’s team. This lineage partly explains his natural ability… but not everything.

From Järvenpää to Madrid, then Kansas and Arizona

After playing for Beat Basket in Järvenpää (U17), Miikka Muurinen joined Zentro Basket in Madrid at age 15. He then crossed the Atlantic to join Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kansas) before attending his second high school at AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Arizona). A journey combining physical development, technical work and exposure to top prospects.

The phenomenon of EuroBasket 2025

Against Serbia in the round of 16, the Susijengi pulled off the upset (92-86). In this unexpected scenario, Muurinen made his presence felt in 12 minutes: 9 points and 1 rebound, a dunk that ignited the crowd and two 3-pointers in crunch time, including one over Nikola Jokic. The kind of sequence that changes perceptions… and draft stock.

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