We talked earlier this year about Finland's Miikka Muurinen. He remains a massive priority target for Mark Pope and Kentucky.
And after a frustrating start to the 2026 recruiting cycle? Big Blue Nation finally has a reason to pay close attention. Muurinen is one of the few remaining elite recruits who reportedly views Kentucky as a frontrunner.
And now? He is officially preparing for his next step.
Leaving Europe for the United States
According to a recent report from YLE, Muurinen has officially left Partizan Belgrade. The 18-year-old forward signed with the Serbian club last fall to get a taste of professional basketball.
“This was exactly what I needed," Muurinen told reporters regarding his departure. "I wanted a taste of professional basketball and to learn from a great coach. Partizan was a fantastic place to play, and I grew a lot as a person in just six months.”
When he first arrived in Serbia, he was playing under legendary European head coach Željko Obradović. And Muurinen loved it. He called Obradović the best coach he had ever had, noting that while he demanded a lot, he deeply cared about his players.
But Obradović stepped down in December. Joan Penarroya took over the team. And things changed immediately.
Penarroya severely limited the Finnish star's minutes and apparently didn't know his plans to return to America after a season.
A mature response from a top recruit
Instead of firing back, Muurinen offered an incredibly mature, grounded response to his new coach's criticism.
“I partly understand the coach’s comments. I’m still a young player, and I try to improve in every area every day," Muurinen explained. "Playing for a EuroLeague-level team was a tough school, but that’s exactly why I joined Partizan. Obradović and I were clear from the start. He knew I would only stay at Partizan for a year and then go to the U.S. Apparently, Penarroya didn’t know this.”
That is the exact kind of mindset Mark Pope wants in his locker room, and what you want from a young player.
Muurinen knew the plan all along. Go to Europe. Play against grown men. Learn what it takes to be a professional. And then head to the United States to dominate the college ranks.
For now, Muurinen is entirely focused on representing Finland (the Susijengi) in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Belgium.
“I’m in great shape, and now I want to enjoy being with the Susijengi as we prepare for the upcoming games," he said.
But once those international games are over? It will be time to finally pick a college. And Kentucky is sitting right there, ready to welcome him to Lexington.