5 big-time Illinois basketball recruiting targets from the Peach Jam

Miikka Muurinen – Class of 2026

There are always the AAU teams you look back on and are blown away by the talent. I think that could be the case one day with the Bradley Beal Elite E16 team. Not only did they have JJ Andrews put up big numbers, but another name to remember is Miikka Muurinen.

Muurinen is a 6-foot-10, 185-pound power forward from Compass Prep in Arizona. He is rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 44 player in the class of 2026. He is also the No. 9 power forward in the country and the best player coming out of Arizona.

Again, Bradley Beal Elite was amazing in the seven games of the Peach Jam. They went on to win the Peach Jam title behind Andrews and Muurinen putting up great numbers.

Muurinen averaged 17.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in the seven games. What amazes me about his ability is the fact he is a big man who can shoot better than anyone on the court. Muurinen ended the Peach Jam shooting 61.8% from the field and an eye-popping 50% from three-point range. He was 14-of-28 from beyond the three-point arc.

For the past year, Illinois has been eyeing Muurinen. We offered him a scholarship in 2023, and I would imagine the fact Orlando Antigua is now on board will only strengthen Illinois’ place in his recruitment.

Getting a player who is 6-foot-10 and can shoot 50% from three-point range would be incredible. He is the exact player Brad Underwood wants in his offense.