The signing of Finnish forward Pinja Paananen represents a significant addition to the University of Arkansas women’s basketball team’s roster. Head coach Mike Neighbors and his staff officially announced the signing on Monday.
At 6-1, Paananen brings a wealth of international experience, having represented Finland in 16-under, 18-under, and 20-under national teams. Her talent has been evident with two Nordic Championship gold medals in 2021 and 2023.
Paananen has also demonstrated her skills as a regular starter for Forssan Alku in the Naisten Korisliiga, the top women’s league in Finland. Averaging 5.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, she has proven herself to be a versatile and valuable player on the court. Her shooting percentages of 41.1% from the field and 76.5% from the free-throw line reflect her accuracy and precision, further underscoring her potential as an impactful addition to the Razorbacks.
Notably, Paananen’s standout performance against Kouvot on Jan. 14 saw her score 15 points, with 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal, showcasing her well-rounded abilities and significant contributions across multiple aspects of the game.
In addition to Paananen, the University of Arkansas has also secured the talents of forward Vera Ojenuwa, who stands at 6-4 and joins from Barton Community College in Kansas. These signings highlight the team’s commitment to strengthening and diversifying its roster with talented players from both domestic and international arenas.
Moreover, the coaching staff, led by Coach Neighbors, has been actively pursuing other promising prospects. Most recently, the team hosted Elisa Maria Mehyar, a 6-5 center/forward from Copenhagen, Denmark, for an official visit. The outcome of her decision remains pending, and the coaching staff eagerly awaits her response.
The addition of Pinja Paananen and the ongoing efforts to recruit other talented athletes embody the University of Arkansas women’s basketball program’s dedication to excellence and its mission to elevate the team’s competitiveness within the demanding landscape of collegiate basketball. As the Razorbacks continue to build a formidable roster, the anticipation for the upcoming season grows, and the team’s supporters eagerly await the opportunity to witness the exciting contributions that these new talents will undoubtedly bring to the court.