BREAKING NEWS: 5-Star Miikka Muurinen Flips Commitment to Duke Blue Devils, Strengthening NCAA Recruiting Class
DURHAM, NC — December 4, 2024 — In a game-changing move for the Duke Blue Devils, 5-star recruit Miikka Muurinen has officially flipped his commitment to the program, dramatically boosting Duke’s 2025 recruiting class. Muurinen, a highly-touted 7’1″ center from Helsinki, Finland, had previously committed to the University of Kentucky, but after a recent visit to Durham and several conversations with head coach Jon Scheyer and the coaching staff, the coveted big man has chosen to take his talents to Duke, signaling a new era for the program.
Muurinen, regarded as one of the most skilled and versatile big men in the 2025 class, made the announcement via social media on Tuesday morning. The news has set the college basketball world abuzz, as Muurinen’s commitment is expected to have a profound impact on the Blue Devils’ future.
“I’m beyond excited to announce that I am officially committing to Duke University!” Muurinen posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Thank you to all the coaches, staff, and people who have supported me. I’m ready to get to work with Coach Scheyer and the Blue Devils. #GoDuke”
Muurinen’s decision to flip to Duke is a significant coup for the Blue Devils, who have been recruiting him intensely for months. Known for his remarkable size, athleticism, and basketball IQ, Muurinen is considered one of the most complete big men to come out of Europe in recent years. He is highly regarded for his ability to protect the rim, rebound at a high level, and contribute offensively, whether in the post or on the perimeter.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Miikka to the Duke family,” said Duke head coach Jon Scheyer in a statement. “He’s a special talent with a unique combination of size, skill, and versatility. Miikka has the potential to be a dominant force on both ends of the floor, and we can’t wait to see him develop here at Duke. He’s going to be a tremendous asset to our program.”
Muurinen’s commitment is a major boost to Duke’s 2025 recruiting class, which already includes several highly-rated prospects. His decision comes at a pivotal time for the Blue Devils, who are looking to build on their recent success and return to national prominence. With Muurinen anchoring the frontcourt, Duke’s recruiting efforts are now among the best in the nation.
“I’ve been following Duke’s program for a long time, and after visiting the campus and meeting with Coach Scheyer and the staff, I knew it was the right fit for me,” Muurinen said in an exclusive interview with local media. “The development opportunities here are unmatched, and I’m excited to be part of a program with such a rich history and great potential for the future. I want to be part of something special.”
The flip is especially surprising given Muurinen’s previous commitment to Kentucky, one of the perennial powerhouses in college basketball. However, after spending time in Durham and learning more about Duke’s vision for his future, Muurinen ultimately decided that the Blue Devils offered the best opportunity for his development, both as a player and as a person.
“Coach Scheyer’s vision for me, the style of play, and the level of competition at Duke really stood out to me,” Muurinen added. “I want to be challenged at the highest level, and I know Duke is the place where I can achieve my goals and reach my full potential.”
Muurinen’s decision to flip to Duke sends a clear message: the Blue Devils are back as a major player in NCAA basketball. With an elite big man now committed, Duke has solidified its future frontcourt, pairing Muurinen with other talented incoming recruits to form a powerhouse team in 2025. His versatility will provide Duke with multiple options in terms of playing style, whether it’s in a traditional big man role or as a more modern, mobile center capable of stretching the floor.
The flip also places significant pressure on Kentucky, who had invested a lot of time and resources into securing Muurinen’s commitment. The loss of the 5-star center is a blow to the Wildcats’ 2025 class, though Kentucky remains a top contender in recruiting and will surely look to fill the gap with other elite prospects.
For Duke fans, Muurinen’s commitment is a reason to celebrate. The Blue Devils are poised to have one of the strongest and most well-rounded teams in the country, with a deep roster that combines elite recruits and experienced players. Muurinen, in particular, is expected to play a key role in Duke’s frontcourt for the next several years, and his addition could be the catalyst for the program’s next national title run.
As the early signing period nears, Muurinen’s flip to Duke could spark even more momentum for the Blue Devils on the recruiting trail. With a roster that is now even stronger and more balanced, Duke is positioning itself as one of the top programs in college basketball for years to come.
For Muurinen, the decision to join Duke marks the beginning of a new chapter in his basketball career. With his skill set, work ethic, and potential, he is ready to make an immediate impact in Durham and help lead the Blue Devils back to the top of college basketball. Fans in Cameron Indoor Stadium will surely be eagerly awaiting his debut in 2025.
