World Team's Lauri Markkanen, of the Chicago Bulls, dunks during the NBA All-Star Rising Stars basketball game against the U.S. Team, Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, in Los Angeles.

 Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo

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 

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 

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