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

EuroBasket - Miikka Muurinen electrified EuroBasket 2025: at 18 years old (6'11", 7'3" wingspan), the Finn threw down otherworldly dunks and, most importantly, delivered a decisive performance in Finland's stunning victory over Serbia in the round of 16 on Saturday September 6, with a massive transition dunk and two 3-pointers - including one over Nikola Jokic.

By@Gabriel Pantel-Jouve

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

Photo Credit : Julie Dumélié

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 managed to play crucial minutes in the fourth quarter and ignite the entire arena with a « signature » dunk. Against heavily favored Serbia, he added hot shooting from distance, with two three-pointers, including one right in Nikola Jokic’s face.

Miikka Muurinen first stood out with his spectacular dunks (photo: Julie Dumelié)

Golden basketball roots in Finland

Son of former Finnish internationals, Miikka Muurinen grew up in basketball. His father, Kimmo Muurinen (156 caps with the men’s team), had 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.

Kimmo Muurinen at EuroBasket 2013 with Finland (photo: FIBA)

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) followed by another prep school, AZ Compass Prep (Chandler, Arizona). A journey combining physical development, technical work and exposure against top North American 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 arena and two 3-pointers in crunch time, including one over Nikola Jokic. The kind of sequence that changes perception… and stock.

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Miikka Muurinen

Finland

EuroBasket

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Gabriel Pantel-Jouve

Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.