“We see a future star of basketball,” Finland’s head coach said about the team’s ‘X-Factor’. No, this isn’t about Lauri Markkanen, although the Jazz forward was integral in completing a historic victory against Serbia. He was referring to an 18-year-old, Miikka Muurinen. EuroBasket watchers know him as ‘Slim Jesus’, as he literally glides through the air, making theatre out of every dunk.

Muurinen has been electric for Finland during their tournament. Age has hardly equated to fear, as the 6’10 giant averages the second-highest blocks for the national team. Oh, and he comes off the bench. He’s already evolved into a top high school prospect, but the bigger picture has already been set in motion.

“Well, look, the scouts go, the scouts who I’m relying on to feed me information, they’re no

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