Finish teenage sensation Miikka Muurinen has chosen his college landing spot.
Murrinen has committed to John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks earlier today, per ESPN. Muurinen spent time at Sunrise Christian (Kansas) and AZ Compass Prep in Phoenix (Arizona) before signing with Serbian club, KK Partizan, this year.
“Since my visit a year and a half ago, they’ve been consistent and committed to recruiting me,” Muurinen told ESPN why he chose the Razorbacks. “They’ve always shown interest. They’ve been very consistent, and they’ve gotten to know me as a person. That’s been very important to me.”
“The thing about Coach Calipari that stood out was that he kept it real with me,” Muurinen continued. “He has had so much success with so many one-and-done players, and I really like his coaching style both on and off the court. He’ll push me hard on the court, and he won’t give up on me off the court. Cal is a funny guy off the court; he keeps it light.”
Muurinen chose Arkansas over offers from Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, BYU, Illinois, and NC State.
Fabulous Finish Four-Star Forward Chooses SEC Program, Why, and What Does It Mean
Muurinen is a lengthy, athletic, highly skilled forward who can play either the 4 or the 5. Muurinen — from Jarvenpaa, Finland– possesses a 7-3 wingspan and is known for his mobility and finishing above the rim. The 7-footer runs the floor exceptionally well and can stretch the floor. He also has to become more efficient as a scorer.
Muuriinen is also a good rebounder, possesses solid instincts, and has outstanding body control. Muurinen is also a capable shot-blocker, though fouls are a concern. He does need to become stronger and learn to handle the physicality of the college and pro games.
“A stretch-four man who has continued to grow, Muurinen measured in at 7-feet tall at last month’s Nike Hoop Summit, which is two inches taller than he was listed last year,” said Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports. “He’s always been naturally skilled for his size with a soft shooting touch that extends out to the arc. He shot 35% from three last summer while playing for Finland in the FIBA EuroBasket, and became the first player from Finland to win the Rising Star award.”
Muurinen saw limited action for KK Partizan this season. The 19-year-old, who signed a three-year deal with Partizan, averaged 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds with shooting splits of 41.2/0.83/62.5 over eight minutes of action over 14 appearances. He scored in double figures in one of his 14 appearances.
Muurinen also has considerable international experience. Muurinen was efficient last summer during EuroBasket play. He was also very good against the US Junior National team earlier this month at the Nike Hoop Summit, totaling 10 points on 5 of 9 shooting, including 0 of 2 from the 3-point line. Additionally, he grabbed 8 rebounds, recorded 2 steals, and was whistled for 3 fouls in 15 minutes.
What Does Muurinen’s Addition Mean For The Razorbacks?
Muurinen is a consensus four-star recruit with a rating of 97.80. He was given a five-star rating by both ESPN and 247Sports, while On3 rated him as a four-star recruit.
Arkansas saw a massive improvement in year two under Calipari. The Razorbacks went 28-9 this past season, which was six more wins than the previous year, and finished second in the SEC. While the Razorbacks lost in the Sweet 16 for a second straight season, they did win the SEC Tournament crown.
Arkansas is still working to finalize its 2026-27 roster, but the Hogs could have lost quite a bit from last season. The Razorbacks lost star freshman Darian Acuff Jr. to the NBA draft and are waiting on word for what Meleek Thomas will do. Thomas is testing the NBA waters while maintaining his eligibility. The Razorbacks lost two key seniors, Trevon Brazile and Nick Pringle, and saw five players enter the transfer portal — including Malique Ewin, DJ Wagner (Maryland), and Karter Knox (Louisville).
Billy Richmond III is returning. The Razorbacks have brought in a pair of transfers, 6-1 guard Jeremiah Wilkinson (Georgia) and 6-11 power forward Cooper Bowser (Furman). Calipari has also brought in a top-rated recruiting class, ranked No. 1 by 247Sports and No.2 by On3. In addition to Muurinen, the Hogs have secured the commitment of consensus five-star guard Jordan Smith Jr. (Fairfax, Va.). They have also signed consensus four-star wings JJ Andrews (Little Rock, AR) and Abdou Toure (West Haven, CT).
As evidenced by the players’ loss, Calipari still has some work to do on the recruiting trail. The Razorbacks still need a physical starting-caliber center who is experienced (i.e., transfer) and can rebound. If Thomas doesn’t come back, the Razorback needs a two-guard who can initiate the offense and is a three-level scorer. They could also use a versatile 4-man who can defend and serve as an offensive connector.
Photo Credit: Steve Roberts, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
