Former Arizona forward Lauri Markkanen was selected at number 7 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA Draft Thursday night in Brooklyn, New York. Markkanen's rights were then traded to the Chicago Bulls.
Markkanen is the Wildcats 22nd first round draft pick and first since 2015 when both Stanley Johnson and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson were selected. He's Arizona's fourteenth lottery selection, a term given to the teams that pick high in the draft because they don't make the playoffs, and their order is selected by a lottery.
The seven-footer, who left after his freshman season at Arizona, averaged more than fifteen points and seven rebounds for a Wildcat team that reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
I've been dreaming about playing in the @NBA forever, this week in NYC has already been amazing. Can't wait for tonight! #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/39EMAGMOv7
— Lauri Markkanen (@MarkkanenLauri) June 22, 2017
Markkanen is known for his outside shooting. He shot 49% from the field, including 42% from three point range.
"I'm just a really competitive person," said Markkanen. "I just want to compete against the best, and I'm looking forward to every single game."
Markkanen will be just the second NBA player from Finland, as Helsinki native Hanno Mottola played two seasons for the Atlanta Hawks from 2002-2004.
