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