By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Finnish basketball talent Miikka Muurinen has left Partizan Belgrade, YLE reports.
After a brief but instructive stint in Serbia—his first experience in professional basketball—Muurinen gained valuable exposure to the challenges of EuroLeague-level competition.
The 18-year-old reflected on his season in Belgrade.
“This was exactly what I needed. 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.”
Muurinen praised legendary coach Željko Obradović, who guided him from the start.
“I enjoyed working with Željko immensely. He is the best coach I’ve ever had. He demanded a lot, but he cared about us as players.”
Commenting on his limited role under new coach Joan Penarroya, Muurinen acknowledged the challenge.
“I partly understand the coach’s comments. I’m still a young player and I try to improve in every area every day. 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.”
Looking ahead, Muurinen is focused on representing Finland in the World Cup qualifiers.
“I’m in great shape, and now I want to enjoy being with the Susijengi as we prepare for the upcoming games against Belgium.”