Arizona Wildcats Freshman Sensation Lauri Markkanen Declares for the NBA Draft
By David Rosen
After an impressive season, Arizona Wildcats Freshman Lauri Markkanen declares for the NBA Draft.
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One of a kind! Arizona Wildcats freshman, Lauri Markkanen, was of those special players that had “it.” The way he carried himself on the court was a beautiful sight to see. He rarely got upset or hesitated to take another three-point shot if he was having an off night. He believed in himself and that’s what made him such a special player.
In previous years, there have been some very talented Arizona Wildcat freshmen that have gone on to play in the NBA. One of those was Mike Bibby, who was a key part of the ’97 National Championship team. He went on to play 14 seasons on the next level, which included taking the Sacramento Kings to the Western Conference Finals in 2002.
Everyone knew it wasn’t a matter of IF Markkanen would go to the NBA, but WHEN. In Thursday’s press conference he declared himself ready to take the next step in his basketball career:
The support Markkanen has been getting from the coaching staff and former teammates is great to see!
We thank you Lauri. 🙏#ABrotherForLifeGained #6104 https://t.co/FKeL49ju00
— Allonzo Trier (@ISO_ZO) March 30, 2017
We can all agree that Markkanen has the “good stuff” and will be an impact player for any NBA team he plays on. His height, versatility and 3pt range make him a standout. He is predicted in many NBA draft predictions to go in the top 10. Way to go!
What Markkanen contributed to the team will be missed by everyone next season. His three-point shot – it was beautiful to watch!
Lauri Markkanen: as pure of a stroke as you'll see from a 7-footer. Shooting 43% from 3 on the year on 6.2 attempts per 40. pic.twitter.com/ogY4sToPws
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) March 17, 2017
During the season, he had some incredible performances and some amazing stats. His dedication to becoming a better player showed over the course of 37 games (he played in all of them). On top of that, he only missed one of 97 practices and it was an excused practice that he coaches decided he should sit out for:
| Season | G | MP | FG | FG% | 2P | 2P% | 3P | 3P% | FT | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-17 | 37 | 1140 | 185 | .492 | 116 | .545 | 69 | .423 | 137 | .835 | 266 | 32 | 15 | 19 | 576 |
| Career | 37 | 1140 | 185 | .492 | 116 | .545 | 69 | .423 | 137 | .835 | 266 | 32 | 15 | 19 | 576 |
Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 3/30/2017.
Take a look back at some photos of the 7’0 Finland phenom during this past season:
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves to the basket against Saint Mary’s Gaels forward Dane Pineau (22) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots against Saint Mary’s Gaels forward Dane Pineau (22) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (right) controls a rebound with teammate Dusan Ristic (14) against Xavier Musketeers guard Trevon Bluiett (5) in the first half during the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) dribbles the ball as Utah Utes forward Kyle Kuzma (35) defends during the second half at McKale Center. Arizona won 66-56. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) reacts against the Saint Mary’s Gaels during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves to the basket against North Dakota Fighting Hawks forward Conner Avants (32) during the first half of the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) celebrates during the second half against the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at McKale Center. Arizona won 78-66. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) shoots the ball as UC Irvine Anteaters forward Jonathan Galloway (5) defends during the second half at McKale Center. Arizona won 79-57. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller high fives forward Lauri Markkanen (10) as he comes out of the game during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at McKale Center. The Wildcats won 79-62. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) blocks a shot by Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Killian Tillie (33) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
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Congrats to Markkanen on a great season! Watching you play this season has been an honor. Everyone at Zona Zealots wishes you a ton of success in the next chapter in your basketball career. Now go show them what it means to BEAR DOWN in the NBA!