From viral nickname to EuroBasket stardom, the 18-year-old forward is already on the NBA radar
Miikka Muurinen is only 18, but his name is already echoing across the basketball world. The Finnish forward turned heads at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, helping his national team reach the semifinals for the first time in history. Yet, alongside his breakout performances, Muurinen is also drawing attention for his unusual nickname: “Slim Jesus.”
The origin of “Slim Jesus”
The nickname dates back to Muurinen’s time with Rod Wave Elite (RWE), a U.S. high school basketball program run by social media influencer Cam Wilder. After practice one day, Wilder—known for his offbeat humor—suggested the name during a team huddle.
“Last spring, I played for RWE with Cam Wilder. After practice, he was hitting half-court shots, and during the huddle, he just said, ‘Should we call this dude Slim Jesus?’ That’s how it started,” Muurinen recalled.
The moniker stuck, especially after Muurinen began celebrating baskets with a prayer gesture, a nod to the nickname. That move quickly gained traction online, boosting his profile well before EuroBasket.
From Finland to EuroBasket spotlight
Born in Järvenpää, Finland, in March 2007, Muurinen left home at 15 to pursue basketball in Spain before moving to the U.S. to attend AZ Compass Prep in Arizona. His steady rise culminated this summer, when he averaged 6.6 points on 87.5% shooting and 1.9 rebounds in just 11 minutes per game at EuroBasket, proving highly efficient in limited minutes.
Finland’s historic fourth-place finish placed the teenager firmly in the global spotlight. His composure on the international stage has only fueled comparisons to Europe’s past basketball exports who went on to dominate in the NBA.
A new chapter with Partizan Belgrade
Muurinen has since signed a three-year deal with Partizan Belgrade, one of Europe’s most respected clubs. The move gives him professional experience in the EuroLeague, though he hasn’t closed the door on playing NCAA basketball in 2026 to prepare for the NBA Draft.
Recruiters are already circling. According to 247Sports, Muurinen has offers from powerhouse programs such as Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Arkansas, and NC State.
Projected NBA first-rounder
Looking ahead, Muurinen is widely expected to be a first-round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. His size, skillset, and ability to adapt to different levels of basketball at such a young age have scouts intrigued. A strong season in Europe or a standout year in college could push him even higher up draft boards.
For now, though, “Slim Jesus” is focused on building his game and continuing Finland’s basketball momentum. If his early career is any indication, Muurinen might be the next European star to make the leap to NBA superstardom.