John Calipari’s first year at Arkansas marked a significant turnaround for the program. With almost no scholarship players returning, he quickly built a new roster and guided the Razorbacks to a Sweet 16 appearance in the ultra-competitive SEC. The success instantly returned Arkansas to the national spotlight.
Historically, the Razorbacks boast a national title from 1994 and six Final Four appearances. Calipari, recognized as one of college basketball’s elite recruiters, is now focused on assembling a high-caliber 2025-26 squad, aiming to maintain Arkansas’ resurgence under his leadership and attract SEC-ready talent with NBA potential.
John Calipari’s Arkansas Could Land NBA-Framed Prospect
College basketball analyst Aaron Torres believes Arkansas might be in serious contention to land five-star international prospect Miikka Muurinen, a 6’10” forward originally from Finland. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Torres detailed the growing buzz surrounding Mirin’s possible reclassification and what it could mean for John Calipari’s Razorbacks.
“Increasing buzz that a five-star international superstar… might not only reclassify but could reclassify and be an Arkansas Razorback,” Torres said, referring to Muurinen, who has played the last two years of high school basketball in the United States.
A class of 2026 recruit, Muurinenis seen as a potential reclass candidate for 2025, which would make him eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft, provided he meets the age requirement.
“He’ll be 19 next year in 2026, which means that he will be draft eligible,” Torres explained.
Torres noted Arkansas as a legitimate possibility due to the player’s connection with the staff and previous visit.
“He visited, he has ties to the staff, he has ties to the program,” he said, acknowledging why there’s growing speculation among Razorback fans.
However, Torres raised valid concerns about fit and opportunity at Arkansas, pointing out the Razorbacks’ depth in the frontcourt.
“They got a lot of good players in that frontcourt,” he said.
With returning players like Trevon Brazile and key additions such as Nick Pringle and Malik U, Torres questioned whether Arkansas could offer the immediate, high-impact role Muurinen may need.
“If you’re Mika Mirin… does Arkansas actually make the most sense?” he asked.
Torres emphasized that reclassification decisions often hinge on draft positioning and playing time.
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“If you’re going to college a year early to maximize your draft position, I don’t know that you go to the place that has Trevon Brazile, that has Nick Pringle,” he argued.
While Torres believes the reclassification will likely happen—“when reclass rumors start… more often than not, the player… actually ends up doing it”—he remains unsure about Arkansas as the final destination.
“I just don’t know,” he said, adding, “I think we got to see how some other stuff plays out.”
Muurinen previously took visits to Arkansas, Michigan, Utah, and more recently Texas Tech. He’s also drawn interest from bluebloods like Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
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