Indiana fans have been begging head coach Darian DeVries to build the Hoosiers up with great high school talent instead of only using the transfer portal. Well, DeVries has the perfect opportunity to do just that with one five-star recruit.
DeVries and Indiana are currently in a blue-blood battle for five-star forward Miikka Murrinen out of Arizona Compass Prep. Muurinen is a Finnish native who has garnered the interest of many blue-blood schools, including Kentucky, UNC, Duke, Arkansas, NC State, Michigan, and, of course, Indiana
Indiana is in the running for 5-star forward Miikka Muurinen and Darian DeVries needs to land him
Indiana only currently has two basketball players signed in the Class of 2026 and one hard commit from Trevor Manhertz. DeVries could seriously bolster this incoming freshman class if he could land a commitment from Muurinen.
Miikka Muurinen is a 5⭐️ 6'10" 2026 forward from Finland playing at AZ Compass Prep is considering between Kentucky, UNC, Duke, Michigan, Arkansas, Indiana, NC State.
— DylanMingoLover (@DylanMingoLover) April 10, 2026
Mark Pope currently leads this recruiting battle. But can Michael Malone make a push for him? pic.twitter.com/10E3L5zoVo
Muurinen is the No. 32 player in the Class of 2026 and the No. 8 power forward in the class, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. He would give Indiana both size and a great scoring ability next season. Right now, it has been reported that Kentucky is leading for his recruitment, but UNC is making a push with Michael Malone leading the way for the Tar Heels.
DeVries really needs to consider putting everything he can in a great offer to Muurinen. This young power forward could be a great centerpiece for DeVries next season and even seasons to come.
While DeVries already has three four-star recruits coming to Bloomington next season, being able to add his first five-star recruit since becoming the Indiana head coach would be huge. DeVries is just having to battle names of some other big programs, as well as probably hefty offers.