TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - UA's freshman forward Lauri Markkanen has declared for the 2017 NBA draft after one season under Sean Miller and Arizona basketball. The decision is not unexpected, as Markkanen is expected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
Markkanen leaves the UofA after one impressive season, one in which Miller said could be called the best single season by a freshman in the history of Arizona basketball in which he finished tied for 2nd in scoring (576 pts), 3rd in rebounds (266 reb) and 3rd in 3 point field goals (69 3 FG's).
Markkanen was joined by his father at the press conference, Pekka, who played college basketball for Kansas. Sean Miller added "I 100% support Lauri's decision. It's the right decision, and he'll be an incredibly high draft pick."
As of right now, Lauri is projected to be the 8th overall pick in the NBA by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The draft order has not been determined yet.
Miller added that they will deal with each student athlete individually, as they announce their intentions to stay, or leave for the NBA.
Sean Miller here with Lauri Markkanen, announcing he is in fact heading to the NBA pic.twitter.com/MSc3ILsO0w
— Erica Weston (@EricaLWeston) March 30, 2017
Lauri says playing in the NBA has been a dream of his so he is happy to announce he is heading to the NBA draft.
— Erica Weston (@EricaLWeston) March 30, 2017
Miller says he 100% supports his decision, it's the right decision, and he'll be an "incredibly high pick."
— Erica Weston (@EricaLWeston) March 30, 2017
Lauri says he was hoping it would happen all season, but he made the final decision when they got back to Tucson.
— Erica Weston (@EricaLWeston) March 30, 2017
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