Lauri Markkanen
(AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)

Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen is in the middle of an impressive rookie season. The former Arizona Wildcat was rewarded Wednesday with a spot in the Feb. 16Β  Rising Stars Challenge.Β 

A part of the NBA’s All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, the Rising Stars Challenge features rookies and second-year players. Markkanen will play for the World Team, which features all international players, including former Oregon Duck Dillon Brooks as well as Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Buddy Hield.Β 

Markkanen is the first ex-UA player to take part in the game since Derrick Williams, who played as a Minnesota Timberwolves rookie in 2012.

Here are the rosters for the Rising Stars Challenge:

Markkanen is the fastest player in NBA history to make 100 3-pointers, needing only needed 41 games to do so. HeΒ is tied with Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard for most made 3-point field goals per game (2.3) by a rookie in NBA history.Β 

Two weeks ago, UA head coach Sean Miller took the time to recognize Markkanen's accomplishment.Β 

Markkanen isn't the only former Wildcat participating in All-Star weekend. Orlando Magic high-flyer Aaron Gordon will compete in the slam dunk contest for the third consecutive time, with hopes of finally winning.

Both the Feb. 16 Rising Stars Challenge and the next day's Slam Dunk Contest will be televised on TNT.

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Award-winning sports journalist, University of Arizona graduate and Tucson native.Β