Skip to main content

Arizona's Markkanen leaving after stellar freshman season

  • Author:
  • Publish date:

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) Arizona freshman forward Lauri Markkanen is leaving early for the NBA and is expected to hire an agent.

Markkanen made the announcement Thursday during a news conference at the school attended by his father, Pekka, and Wildcats coach Sean Miller.

An athletic 7-footer from Finland, Markkanen averaged 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds and was named a third-team All-American by The Associated Press. He shot 49 percent from the floor and 42 percent from 3-point range while helping lead the Wildcats to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

With an ability to shoot from deep and score off the dribble, Markkanen has been projected as a top-10 pick in this year's NBA draft.

© 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.