Finnish prodigy “Slim Jesus” Miikka Muurinen leads Finland to historic EuroBasket semifinals, eyes 2027 NBA Draft glory
The world of international basketball often serves as a launchpad for emerging talent, and this year’s EuroBasket has been no exception. This prestigious tournament, organized by FIBA, brought together 24 nations for an exhilarating two-and-a-half weeks of competition. Among the standout stories of this event, Finland captured the spotlight by reaching the semifinals for the first time in their history, propelled by the extraordinary talent of 18-year-old Miikka Muurinen.
Miikka Muurinen: The Rising Star
Muurinen, a high school student currently enrolled in Arizona, has quickly established himself as one of the most promising prospects in European basketball. Not only is he ranked among the top 15 recruits in the Class of 2026, but he is also generating buzz as a potential first-round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. His performance at EuroBasket has not only cemented his status but has also introduced him to a broader audience of basketball enthusiasts eager to see what this young talent can do.
The Story Behind the Nickname
The moniker “Slim Jesus” has become synonymous with Muurinen, and it’s a name that reflects both his skill on the court and his distinctive appearance. With longer hair and a remarkable finesse in his game, he has captivated fans and analysts alike. The nickname, coined by social media influencer Cam Wilder, suggests a player capable of miraculous feats on the hardwood, though Muurinen has yet to literally walk on water.
Future Plans: College Basketball and the NBA Draft
As for his immediate future, Muurinen is expected to play a year of college basketball before declaring for the NBA Draft in 2027. This path is crucial, as the NBA’s eligibility rules require players to be out of high school for at least one year. Leading into this pivotal period, he has attracted attention from some of the most prestigious programs in the nation. Schools such as Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas, Michigan, Indiana, and NC State are vying for his commitment, according to his profiles on recruiting sites.
Roots in Finland
Born on March 4, 2007, in Järvenpää, a city just outside of Helsinki, Muurinen’s journey has taken him across Europe and now to the United States. His move to Spain at the age of 15 was driven by his ambition to hone his basketball skills. Now, as he prepares for the 2026 college basketball season, he carries the hopes of a nation on his shoulders, having already made history with Finland’s impressive run at EuroBasket.
NBA Draft Projections
Early projections for the 2027 NBA Draft place Muurinen firmly in first-round conversations, according to FIBA assessments. His performance at EuroBasket has undoubtedly put him on the radar of NBA franchises, and a standout year in college could propel him even higher on draft boards. As he continues to develop his game, the basketball world watches eagerly, anticipating the next chapter in the saga of “Slim Jesus.”
With Finland’s historic achievement at EuroBasket and Muurinen’s rising star status, the future looks bright for this young athlete as he eyes both collegiate success and a professional career in the NBA.
