Arizona Basketball: Two Wildcats play together as NBA Rising Stars

NBA All-Star Weekend brought together two Special Arizona Basketball who played on the same team for the first time.

As a fan, we can always imagine what teams would have looked like if a player didn’t leave for the NBA draft early. In this case, the NBA All-Star weekend allowed for Arizona Basketball fans to use their creative imagination as DeAndre Ayton and Lauri Markkanen joined forced on team World in the Rising Stars challenge.

Each player during their time at the University of Arizona captured the hearts of Wildcats fan in their own special way. For Lauri, it was the sweet stroke from behind the three-point stripe while amazing us with his ball handles to blow past his opponents on his way to the rim.

Arizona Wildcats

As for Ayton, it was his massive size for a freshman. The way he was able to dominate the low post and finish with such authority. Keep in mind, that Ayton just a few years into learning the game of basketball still ended up as the number one pick in the NBA Draft.

Combine these talents on the same team under the direction of coach Sean Miller and Wildcats fans might have enjoyed a Final Four run in the recent past.

Never the less, fans got to see these two stellar Arizona players take part in a weekend full of fun as the Rising Stars Challenge kicked off the All-Star weekend. Both Wildcat alums made their presence felt on the floor.

Markkanen picked up right where he left off in Chicago shooting the ball as well as anybody in the building. He wowed the crowd with his ability to do it from both the inside and outside. He finished the night with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Leaving Wildcats fans nothing to hang their head about.

https://twitter.com/MarkkanenLauri/status/1096478802090385410

As for Ayton, he always showed why he was the number one pick in the NBA draft. By demanding the ball down low and using his size to his advantage. Not only that defenders had to be aware of his mid-range jumper as that was falling for him as well. Aston finished the night with 15 points and eight rebounds.

It is safe to say that Wildcats fans are proud of both Ayton and Markkanen as they upheld the high standard of Arizona Basketball. In a season of college basketball where it has not gone our way. These two young stars provided light in dark times and for that we are truly grateful. And as always BearDown and Go Cats!