His physical freshness and his classy actions in the circle made an impression in September 2025. In the Finland jersey, Miikka Muurinen (2.08 m, 18 years old) had built a reputation as a young nugget to follow in the months and years to come, he who actively participated in the Finns’ journey to 4th place in EuroBasket 2025.
Then a student in a high school in the United States, Muurinen joined Partizan Belgrade in the wake of the continental competition. No doubt coming off the bench, he was to encounter the professional world for the first time in the EuroLeague, at barely 18 years old. Obviously too early in his progression curve.
PLAYER PROFILE
Post(s): Pivot
Size: 208 cm
Age: 18 ans (04/03/2007)
Nationalities:
Stats 2025-2026 / ABA Liga
“You don’t just become a great player
thanks to his spectacular actions »
Because since his arrival at Partizan, Muurinen has played little, if not at all. His last match, or rather his last appearance under the tunic of the Serbian club dates back to January 3 in the championship (3 minutes 30 played). But it is especially in the EuroLeague that the problem lies. Only six matches played, the last of which dates back to November 25 against Panathinaikos, and this little minute played.
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If his club is undoubtedly going through a period of crisis, notably causing the departure of Željko Obradović and the arrival of Joan Penarroya recently as third technician of the season, Muurinen has ultimately never been able to find a place in the rotation, regardless of the staff in place. His current coach, Joan Penarroya, also returned to his thorny situation at Worldpointing in particular to the youth and mentality of the Finn.
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“He has not yet mastered the tactical level of the EuroLeague”
« Miikka has the potential to become a top player level,” warns the Spaniard. « Mbut that is not enough. You don’t become a great player just because of your spectacular actions. He is a young player, with great individual and physical qualities, and who has not yet played at the professional level. He has not yet mastered the tactical level of EuroLeague play, which is difficult. »
Partizan Coach Joan Peñarroya is Miikka Muurinen:
“He has the potential to be a top-level player, but that’s not enough. He won’t become a player based on highlights.
There’s a part of basketball that he doesn’t understand right now.” pic.twitter.com/tBJJI9iGsH
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) January 31, 2026
But then, where will Muurinen’s future be written? This was already anticipated in the NCAA after a few months or seasons in Europe, which Pennaroya confirmed. « DPlayers with NBA or American experience have never adapted to the EuroLeague. It takes a different mindset, and I think he’s just thinking about going back to the States. » It now remains to be seen whether the Finn will finish the season at Partizan, which is gradually recovering from its winter crisis.
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