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EuroBasket Rising Star Miikka Muurinen Leaving U.S. Prep Ball for Pro Stint Overseas

An imminent graduation-paperwork deadline could determine his 2026 NBA draft eligibility.

Overview

  • The 18-year-old Finnish forward will play his next season abroad after starring as EuroBasket 2025's youngest player and winning the tournament's inaugural Rising Star award.
  • His mother, Jenni Laaksonen, said negotiations are ongoing and referenced Serbia or Panathinaikos as stylistic fits, with no agreement finalized.
  • Reporting points to Serbia as a leading option and Partizan has been floated by fans, but no club has been confirmed.
  • To qualify for the 2026 NBA Draft, he must secure documentation of high-school graduation within roughly three weeks before the 2025-26 NBA season begins.
  • He still holds offers from elite NCAA programs and is ranked No. 13 in his class by 247Sports, keeping a 2026-27 college pathway possible if amateurism rules permit after a year overseas.