Player to watch out for: Lauri Markkanen

NBA Update: Coming off an exhilarating 96-85 road win over then-No. 3 UCLA on Saturday, it’s a good time to recognize the outstanding freshman season by the Finnish power forward, who posted an efficient 18 points on 10 shots and seven rebounds against the Bruins.

Markkanen already ranks fourth all time in 3-pointers made by a collegiate 7-footer in a single season with 48 and is likely to set the record in the next few weeks. He’s made 50 percent of his 3-pointers and 84 percent of his free-throw attempts, and the spacing he’s provided because of his shooting has been beneficial to his guards and fellow big men.

While his miniscule block and steal numbers will be significant red flags for NBA teams, Markkanen’s time under coach Sean Miller is helping him improve as a rebounder and defender. He’s solidifying himself as a likely top-10 pick.

Category: Basketball