Miikka Muurinen Shines at EuroBasket 2025

RIGA (Latvia) – Young and promising, Miikka Muurinen entered the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 with high expectations. As the youngest player in the tournament, the Finnish forward stands out, being ranked among the top-15 recruits in the high school class of 2026. Early predictions suggest he could be a first-round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.

Expectations and Nickname

However, it’s his nickname, “Slim Jesus,” coined by influencer Cam Wilder, that perhaps reflects the immense expectations placed upon him. While the pressure of this fame could weigh heavily on any 18-year-old in such a significant competition, Muurinen seems to embrace it.

Impact on the Court

In what was the biggest game of his career to date, Muurinen made a notable impact off the bench, contributing 9 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal in just 12 minutes, helping Finland secure a surprising victory over Serbia. His performance has left Finnish head coach Lassi Tuovi describing him as an “X-Factor,” a sentiment echoed by his teammates.

Physical Attributes and Play Style

Standing tall at 2.10m (6ft 10.5in), Muurinen possesses remarkable speed and explosiveness for his size. These attributes allow him to move fluidly around the basketball court and excel in offensive plays involving dunks and blocks.

Defensive Prowess

Besides his offensive contributions, Muurinen’s energy and defensive abilities shine as well. Averaging only 10 minutes of play, he ranks as Finland’s second-best shot blocker. His long wingspan enables him to contest shots effectively and guard the rim, both as a primary and secondary defender.

Offensive Skill Set

Muurinen has excelled offensively, converting 10 out of 11 field goal attempts inside the arc. His length and agility provide him with the advantage around the basket, where he can execute impressive dunks. Despite shooting only 25% from three-point range, he has demonstrated shooting versatility with the capacity to score from various ranges.

Future Potential

Finland is now one win away from making history, aiming for their first-ever Semi-Finals appearance at EuroBasket. Muurinen’s combination of elite athleticism, two-way skill set, and clutch performances have positioned him as one of Europe’s top NBA prospects. His teammate Sasu Salin expressed optimism for Muurinen’s future, stating, “Let’s hope he becomes the best player in the world.” With time and practice, it seems likely that Muurinen is indeed on the pathway to NBA success.

FIBA