Finnish Prospect Opts for European Challenge Before 2027 NBA Draft
In a move that has sent ripples across the basketball world, Miikka Muurinen, one of the most intriguing high school prospects in recent years, has decided to leave Arizona Compass for KK Partizan in Belgrade, Serbia. The decision comes as a surprise, especially given the speculation that Muurinen might try to fast-track his path to the 2026 NBA Draft.
However, new regulations appear to rule out that option, making this move all the more unexpected.
The Draft Puzzle
Muurinen, turning 19 in March 2026, had been considered a potential reclassification candidate. If he qualified as an international player, he could have been eligible for the 2026 draft. But since he hasn’t maintained a permanent residence outside the U.S. for the past three years, he is not classified as “international.”
That means at least one NBA season must pass after his high school graduation before he can declare for the draft. With the NBA training camp starting September 29, the timeline to enter the 2026 draft is extremely tight. Muurinen himself clarified that his sights are set on the 2027 NBA Draft, emphasizing that he still wants the college experience before going pro.
Why Partizan?
The Finnish forward’s move to Belgrade is driven by multiple factors:
- Level of Competition: Europe offers a different, high-intensity style of play.
- Coaching: Muurinen will train under Serbian legend Zeljko Obradovic, a 65-year-old coach with nine EuroLeague titles and 66 trophies to his name.
- Fan Culture: Partizan’s passionate supporters promise an atmosphere Muurinen has long dreamed of experiencing.
“After EuroBasket, I had to decide whether to stay in Arizona or try something new. This felt like the best option at the moment,” Muurinen told Yle. “Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of playing in front of fans in Serbia, Greece, and Turkey.”
Athleticism Meets Opportunity
Nicknamed “Slim Jesus”, Muurinen has turned heads in the U.S. thanks to his explosive athleticism. Across 50 games in high school competitions, he notched 64 dunks, showcasing his ability to attack the rim and thrive in transition.
At Partizan, he’ll have the chance to sharpen his skills against seasoned European professionals, a challenge he believes will prepare him for both college basketball and the NBA.
“My strategy remains the same: after this season, I want to go to college and then enter the 2027 draft,” Muurinen said. “This is just a stop in Serbia for now. If things go well, I might skip college—but I still want that experience.”
Future Outlook
Muurinen’s decision has sparked discussions about non-traditional paths to the NBA. While European stints have become more common for top prospects, few teenagers make such a bold move so early.
By joining KK Partizan and training under Obradovic, Muurinen is placing himself in a pressure-cooker environment designed to accelerate growth. If he succeeds, he could emerge from Europe as a more polished, NBA-ready prospect.
He is set to fly to Belgrade this Saturday, embarking on what promises to be an exciting and formative chapter of his basketball journey.