A Class of 2026 big man is looking to make a visit to Chapel Hill this winter

The UNC basketball program is on the hunt for a five-star prospect in the Class of 2026.

Miikka Muurinen, a 6-foot-10, 185-pound big man from Finland, has his eyes set on visiting college basketball's blue bloods after visiting Arkansas, Michigan, and Utah.

Originally from Järvenpää, Finland, Muurinen plied his trade at Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas, last season but now plays for AZ Compass Prep in Arizona. He plays his AAU ball for Bradley Beal Elite. Muurinen is also a burgeoning international player for the Finnish national team, having made the final roster for Finland's three 2024 FIBA Olympic qualifying matches.

His mother, Jenni Laaksonen, played for North Carolina from 2001 to 2003. Hubert Davis will surely try to leverage this connection to his advantage.

Muurinen is a stretch-four with solid spot-up shooting ability. He has the height to guard fours and fives, but may need to put on weight to bang under the boards versus just trying to block shots. His length allows him to get to the basket in two dribbles, and he has the hands to do so without bouncing the ball off his knees.

Getting this kind of top-tier talent on campus is a must. This year's Tar Heels have shown what happens when the team lacks height or a reliable perimeter threat. North Carolina has gotten jammed up in the paint, with RJ Davis getting blocked at the rim many times by help defenders. The rebounding margins have also been problematic. Muurinen could instantly help in both departments.