UA freshman Lauri Markkanen is currently projected as the No. 13 pick of next June's NBA Draft, but Draft Express analyst Mike Schmitz says he thinks the Finnish stretch-four will land in or near the Top 5.
Why? Schmitz, a UA graduate, offers analysis via a video breakdown of Markkanen's weaknesses and strengths.
Markkanen is praised for his considerable offensive skills, agility, fluidity and feel for passing (though he wasn't asked to pass a lot for Finland). His weaknesses, the video said, were mostly in rebounding and defense (which will undoubtedly be big needs for Arizona up front this season...)
An updated version of 247 Sports' 2017 player rankings still doesn't have DeAndre Ayton at the top spot, but he's behind only Washington commit Michael Porter.
Here's 247'sΒ entire list.
Arizona's Jan. 12 game against ASU at McKale Center has been moved from 9 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering some relief for those who don't love late-night hoops.
The Wildcats now have only two 9 p.m. tipoffs at home, plus an 8 p.m. Pacific/9 p.m. Mountain Pac-12 opener at Cal on Dec. 30.
A printable version of the schedule and our photo collection on it are attached to this post.
Former UA staffer and Salpointe grad Jesse Mermuys, reunited with Luke Walton on the Lakers this season as an assistant coach, says Walton makes a fun but hard-working atmosphere.
Arizona Desert Swarm has a look at how in-home visits are shaping up for UA coaches so far.
ICYMI, we had aΒ long look how Ayton arrivedΒ in Arizona, and why he says he wants to stay in-state for a year of college.Β
