By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Miikka Muurinen shared his first impressions with Partizan Mozzart Bet, including his discussions with legendary tactician Zeljko Obradovic.
“He told me wise things on the court,” he summed up a question about the nine-time EuroLeague champion in an interview with Serbian outlet Mozzart Sport on Sunday.
“I have the greatest coach of all time in Europe coaching me, giving me advice, great teammates to learn from, so I’m trying to learn as much as I can,” added the 18-year-old combo forward.
Following a breakout campaign in EuroBasket 2025 with Finland, averaging 6.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, Muurinen opted to leave the Arizona Compass Prep program and join the EuroLeague outfit to strengthen his bid for an NCAA career and, from there, seek possible NBA options.
“I was going through the options like going back to high school, other leagues. But, I ended up here,” he mentioned.
“I’m definitely gonna get better here than in the States, in high school, so that was the thought process. Where can I prepare myself for college and the NBA?” he confirmed his plans.
“I just can’t wait”
Upon landing in the Serbian capital, he watched his new team edge out EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in Belgrade Arena on Thursday, improving to 1-1 in Europe’s premier club continental competition.
“I knew the atmosphere was gonna be great. So, definitely what I expected. I just can’t wait to play in front of those fans,” he said.
The Jarvenpaa native also shared early basketball positions, naming the small forward role as his most comfortable spot on the court.
“My natural position is probably the three,” he disclosed, “I used to play point guard in Finland, before I went to Spain when I was 14-15.”
In Round 3 of the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season, Partizan will stay at home to take on Anadolu Efes on Thursday, following the AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season opener opposite Krka in Belgrade Arena on Monday. The date for the first appearance of Muurinen remains unclear.