Oregon State has made its first big move in the 2025 recruiting class by securing a commitment from 6-foot-10 forward Olavi Suutela from Helsinki, Finland. This follows a successful international recruiting strategy under head coach Wayne Tinkle, whose recent rosters have been increasingly composed of foreign-born players.
Suutela is an intriguing prospect due to his versatility as a forward. Despite his size, he possesses a strong perimeter game, showing solid ball-handling skills and a face-up approach. His ability to get to the paint off the dribble and score using post moves demonstrates a combination of finesse and physicality. His skill set makes him a threat both inside and outside, with notable fluidity and mobility for a player of his height.
In the FIBA U18 tournament, Suutela’s talent was on display as he contributed 55 points, 59 rebounds, 13 assists, and 7 blocks over seven games, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. While his interior game is impressive, there’s room for improvement in his shooting—particularly from the free-throw line and beyond the arc. However, his overall game shows great promise, especially in his ability to score inside and potentially develop into a rim protector.
Suutela’s commitment aligns with Oregon State’s ongoing trend of recruiting players from European countries with international basketball experience. This strategic approach continues to shape the team’s roster, and Suutela’s addition is expected to strengthen the Beavers’ future as they build on this momentum.
Source: Oregon State Lands Commitment from 2025 Finnish Forward Olavi Suutela
