General Information:
- Height:6'10"
-Class: 2026
- Position: Forward
- Nationality: Finnish
- Current Team: Bradley Beal Elite (EYBL)
- High School: Sunrise Christian Academy
- Recent Achievement: Won the EYBL 16U Championship
Miika Muurinen's name is buzzing around recruiting circles. The 6'10" Finnish forward, with guard-like skills, has everyone from blue bloods to mid-majors vying for his services. The multi-tooled Muurinen recently won an EYBL Peach Jam 16U championship with Bradley Beal Elite, and he will have his pick of the litter when it comes time to choose a college. Muurinen has consistently put on impressive performances at every level, from FIBA to high school. I believe he's on the right path to becoming an NBA lottery pick as long as he keeps developing.
I'll break down some of what makes him so good. In the clips below, he demonstrates elite shot-making ability, showcasing his creativity on offense and highlighting his status as a formidable mismatch. His size, fluidity, confidence, and intensity make him a standout player. However, he needs to bulk up to withstand the physicality of college basketball and, eventually, the NBA. He would thrive in an offensive system that highlights his versatility, keeping him in constant motion and providing ample space to fully showcase his exceptional talents.
Off the dribble
In the clip above we see what's sets Muurinend apart as an elite player is his ability to put the ball on the floor and generate offfense, either scoring himself or creating plays for his teammates. A key reason behind this is his exceptional jump shot. His shooting is so lethal that defenders often rush to close out on him, trying to prevent him from taking a three-pointer. This defensive pressure gives him a significant advantage when attacking. As defenders aggressively close in, Muurinen can easily use a shot fake or jab step to drive past them, often getting close to the rim for a high-percentage shot. This is fundamental basketball, and Muurinen's understanding and exploitation of these situations highlight the high basketball IQ he plays with. His size is another key factor when scoring off the dribble. He takes up soo much room when attacking, and does a good job of putting himself in range for an easy basket to include shooting over the top of the defense .
In the clip below, Muurinen showcases his exceptional shooting skills in catch-and-shoot situations, combining size, confidence, and precision. His poise allows him to shoot over perimeter defenders and smaller opponents effortlessly. When facing bigger defenders. Muurinen thrives in transition, frequently sprinting to the 3-point line to spot up, where he boasts an impressive catch-and-shoot percentage from beyond the arc, both for Bradley Beal Elite and his national team. He excels at setting screens and shaking off defenders, consistently creating open 3-point opportunities. Muurinen is constantly in motion, actively seeking the ball and making himself available rather than waiting passively for the play to come to him.
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Intangibles:
Work Ethic: From everything I've heard and been told, Muurinen is a gym rat who loves basketball and is working toward greatness. He is renowned for his strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to improving his game, consistently putting in extra hours in the gym.
International Experience: In today's era, where European basketball is rapidly closing the gap on American basketball, the international experience a player can gain is invaluable. Muurinen has honed his skills at the international level with Finnish youth teams, adding a diverse skill set and a unique perspective to his game.
Projection:
Mikka Muurinen is a highly talented and versatile player with the potential to make a significant impact at the college level and beyond. His recent offer from Duke is a testament to his abilities and potential. For Duke's 2026 recruiting class, securing Muurinen should be a top priority, as he brings a unique blend of size, skill, and international experience that could elevate the program. With continued development, particularly in his physicality and consistency, Muurinen has all the tools to become a standout college player and a strong prospect for the professional ranks. Duke's interest solidifies his status as a key target, underscoring his importance to the future of the Blue Devils' program.
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