Five-star 7-footer Miikka Muurinen commits to Arkansas

five star forward mikka murinen Has committed to Arkansas, he told ESPN on Monday John Calipari and the razorback The No. 1 recruiting class in the country.

Murinen, of Finland, spent time at several high schools in the United States before opting to sign with Partizan Belgrade in Serbia. However, before leaving, he took an official visit to Arkansas in the fall of 2024.

“Since my visit a year and a half ago, they have been consistent and committed to recruiting me,” Murinen told ESPN. “They’ve always shown interest. They’ve been very consistent, and they’ve gotten to know me as a person. That’s very important to me.

“When I left my Arkansas trip, I was excited not only about the program but also about the people, and I said to myself, these are the type of people I want to be with on a daily basis.”

Murinen formed a strong bond with Calipari during the trip and in the 18 months following the trip.

“The thing that stood out about Coach Calipari was that he kept it real with me,” Murinen said. “He’s had a lot of success with so many one-on-one players, and I love 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.”

Murinen appeared in 14 games for Partizan this season, including six games in EuroLeague competition. The 7-footer has represented Finland’s senior national team 15 times, averaging 6.6 points in eight games at FIBA ​​EuroBasket last summer. He also played on the U16 team during the 2023 FIBA ​​European Championship and posted 16.9 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Murinen played for the World Team at this month’s Nike Hoop Summit and had 10 points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes.

While I am not ranked sc next 100 Because he is not in high school in the United States, Murinen’s scouting grade of 95 would rank him among the top five prospects in the class of 2026.

He has excellent mobility and agility and can overcome most opponents with his rapid pace, long strides and hunger to score. Murinen is an explosive lob catcher and a powerful finisher. He also has rare body control for his size. On the offensive glass, he is a great vertical putback rebounder. Defensively, he shows a tendency to jump passing lanes for steals and has a knack for rotating out for help side blocks, utilizing a 7-foot-2 wingspan and a willingness to make timely gambles.

In ball-screen situations, Murinan brings versatility. He excels in screen and roll action with hard dunks, short rolls to attack, or when he pops up where he has range to the 3-point line. He does his best work inside the arc, driving and finishing or on off-ball cutting and putbacks. He has a rare combination of speed, explosiveness, athletic instincts and skill.

His commitment gives Arkansas four potential five-star prospects in the 2026 class, including Jordan Smith Jr., the nation’s best guard, as well as a five-star forward. jashawn andrews And top-30 wing Abdu ToureWhich can reach five star status in the final ranking.

Murinen’s agent, Teddy Archer of TAA Sports, said, “Miikka is very excited to play for Arkansas. He already knows the other three freshmen well and can’t wait to play with them.” “He wants to be held to a higher standard, held accountable, taught professional habits and most of all he wants to win championships.”

The Razorbacks now have a chance to have a preseason top-10 roster as well — or even higher, depending on melek thomas‘NBA Draft Decision. billy richmond Is back as a starter, while Calipari also landed transfers Jeremiah Wilkinson (Georgia) and cooper bowser (Furman) From the portal.

“I’m going to Arkansas to help them win a national championship and play with a lot of people,” Murinane said. “I’m excited to be around good people who are professionals and who can show me the path to becoming a successful person.”