Five-star Arizona Compass Prep forward Miikka Muurinen updates recruitment at Hoophall Classic

By ZACH SMART

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Since he gained his first taste of top-shelf competition on the Nike EYBL circuit several summers ago, Miikka Muurinen has expressed a desire to play in the NBA. Now, he’s angling to be a one-and0done.

The Class of 2026 big man at Arizona Compass has been a defensive stonewall, steering the driving lanes clear in several games this winter. Offensively, he brings uniqueness as a floor-spreader with NBA 3-point range, a rare ability to put the ball on the deck comfortably at 6-foot-11, and an explosive finishing acumen with long strides to the rim.

Muurinen didn’t have it on Sunday night, as he scored one point and grabbed a meager two boards while saddled in foul trouble. AZ Compass fell, 63-57, to Long Island Lutheran at the Hoophall Classic at Springfield College.

LuHi’s Syracuse-bound 2025 guard Kiyan Anthony scored a game-best 17 points and 6-foot Marquette-bound guard Nigel James scored the go-ahead bucket via a goal-tending call.

Class of 2026 guard Kaden House paced AZ Compass with 14 points and six assists.

Despite an irregular, listless showing, Muurinen has thrived on a handful of big stages this season. The Finnish big, who bolstered his national and high major stock with a performance of 21 points (8-11 FG, 4-7 3pt) and two blocks against Team CP3 16U during Peach Jam, scored 14 points during a win over Brewster Academy (NH) last month. He turned in a 19-point, three block showing against Mount Zion Academy (MD) on Dec. 30th.

“He got in foul trouble today, so you didn’t really get to see him, but he’s been really good for us,” AZ Compass head coach Pete Kaffey said. “He shoots threes. He puts the ball on the floor, he’s a rim protector as well. Defensively, he’s got to get a little bit better on the perimeter when he’s guarding bigger wings. But he’s a kid that’s coming along really well.”

MIIKKA MUURINEN WITH THE GAME WINNER AGAINST THE NO. 1 TEAM IN THE NATION! @mmuurinen1 pic.twitter.com/5FlbU9VdjM

— AZ Compass Prep (@AZCompass_Prep) January 18, 2025

Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis, and several others were in to see Muurinen this fall.

Muurinen’s mother, Jenni Laaksonen, played for North Carolina and for the Finland women’s national team.

Kentucky coach Mark Pope, who previously had an in-home visit with Muurinen, was also on hand to see him Sunday. Pope, Carmelo Anthony, former NBA guard Eddie House, legendary Oak Hill coach Steve Smith, and local Springfield product and former NBA guard Travis Best were among the faces in a jam-packed crowd.

“Kentucky, Arkansas, Michigan, Utah, Duke, UNC are all recruiting me right now,” Muurinen said. “I’m not sure who is recruiting me the hardest right now because they are all talking to my agent and not me directly.”

Muurinen said he would like to have his decision finalized by next fall or Christmas.

“I can see myself as a stretch four who can handle the ball more (at the next level),” Muurinen explained.

Muurinen thoroughly enjoyed his fall visit to Arkansas.

“I like Coach Cal,” he said. “Good place. Good facilities. Obviously, you know, Coach Cal has a great legacy. He helped AD (Anthony Davis) and KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns) go into the league. I think he can help me go into the league after one year.”

Muurinen said he’s looking forward to possible visits to Duke, UNC, Kentucky, and Alabama.

Muurinen also expressed an appreciation for Cooper Flagg and the one-and-done season he’s authoring at Duke, adding that he’s developed a relationship with the aforementioned Scheyer.

“I can see myself playing there (Duke),” he said.

Mingo Brothers Incorporated

Penn State-bound LUHI ’25 guard Kayden Mingo catalyzed the Crusaders during a 77-66 victory over Columbus (FL) during the Made Hoops Jordan Holiday Classic at Baruch College last month.

Mingo scored a game-best 25 points (9-for-14 FG, 5-for-7 3FG) and the well-built 6-foot-4 guard’s flair for the big shot triggered a rapid third-quarter power surge.

In Springfield, it was Kayden’s younger brother, Class of 2026 Dylan Mingo, who helped preserve the victory.

he 6-foot-5 guard scored 15 points to go with eight rebounds and two steals. A long, 16-year-old junior, Mingo picked up a pivotal steal with 13.7 seconds remaining, drew the foul, and knocked back a pair of free throws to seal it.

Photo: 247 Sports

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