Chicago Bulls superstar rookie Lauri Markkanen became the 12th former Arizona Wildcat, second Sean Miller product, to play in the Rising Stars Challenge during NBA All-Star weekend.Β
The 7-foot Markkanen scored 15 points on 7 of 11 shooting and hauled in 6 rebounds as Team World cruised by Team USA 155-124.Β
Markkanen, the first Finnish player to play in the Rising Stars Challenge let alone participate in NBA All-Star weekend, came off the bench and the first touch he got resulted in a baseline 3-pointer. He was also mic'd up during the game.Β
Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, and Donovan Mitchell are "Wired" on @NBAonTNT!#KickstartRisingStars pic.twitter.com/i7Z3jV6AVj
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2018
Known for prowess beyond the arc, Markkanen only shot 1 of 4 from 3-point range in 22 minutes of play.
Other notable Rising Stars Challenge performances in years past from ex-Wildcats:
- Andre Iguodala (2006): 30 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals
- Gilbert Arenas (2003): 30 points, 4 assists, 3 steals
- Richard Jefferson (2003): 21 points, 4 assists, 3 steals
- Damon Stoudamire (1996): 19 points, 11 assists, 4 steals
Markkanen will continue to participate in NBA All-Star weekend and will compete in the NBA Skills Challenge on Saturday at 6 p.m., which will be televised on TNT.Β