Lassi Tuovi, the head coach of Finland's national basketball team, has come out in defense of player Miikka Muurinen, who has faced challenges since signing with Partizan in Serbia, where he has reportedly seen minimal playing time. Tuovi announced the national team selections for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Belgium, highlighting Muurinen's inclusion despite recent difficulties with his club. He emphasized that the experience gained from training with high-level players such as Isaac Bonga and Jabari Parker is invaluable for Muurinen's development.

Reports from Serbian media suggest that Partizan may terminate Muurinen's contract, prompting questions about his future; however, Coach Tuovi remains optimistic about the positive impact of such training experiences. He mentioned that while Muurinen's situation could have been better, the opportunity to train daily against elite players positions him well for growth and improvement. This experience is seen as critical for his readiness in future competitions, particularly with the upcoming European championships in mind.

The national team will face off against Belgium in a doubleheader that is crucial for their chances in World Cup qualification. Muurinen's role and performance in these matches may also be influenced by his current club situation, which adds an extra layer of importance to his training experiences in Serbia. Tuovi's defense of Muurinen underscores the ongoing developmental challenges faced by young athletes in highly competitive environments.