Making his Markk

Lauri Markkanen’s reputation grew nationally and, to some extent, the world after his performance last weekend in Los Angeles.

The Finnish Embassy in Washington, D.C., tweeted a congratulations to Markkanen for winning the USBWA national player of the week award, while Draft Express’ Mike Schmitz tweeted about the way Markkanen outplayed UCLA forward T.J. Leaf.

“For those unsure coming in, thought this game showed how huge the gap is between Lauri Markkanen and TJ Leaf as NBA prospects,” Schmitz tweeted.

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Washington State coach Ernie Kent is well aware of what UA's Finnish freshman can do, too.

"He's a lottery pick," Kent said earlier this week. "He’s got guard skills, can shoot it and put it on the floor. He's a matchup nightmare, and I think with their full roster back now it will give them even more confidence. That’s the scary part."