By JACOB POLACHECK
Arizona head coach Sean Miller says freshman Lauri Markkanen is not receiving enough credit for his play thus far this season.
“For him not to be considered as one of the best freshmen in college basketball is a complete joke,” said Miller, per SB Nation. “And Rawle (Alkins) and Kobi (Simmons) are also outstanding but just watching Lauri play, I think he deserves a little bit more credit than he’s getting.”
Through 21 games this season, Markkanen is currently averaging 17 points per game, along with 7.7 rebounds per game, leading Arizona to a 19-2 record.
“The thing about him that stands out is he loves the game, he works as hard at the game as any player that we’ve had. And although he’s very talented, he’s a great teammate and unselfish, ” said Miller. “Those three things usually don’t accompany somebody you’re talking so glowingly about. He helps team chemistry. He’s a winner and his teammates enjoy being around him and playing. He’s willing to do anything that you ask him to do as a coach.
DraftExpress currently has Markkanen projected to be the ninth pick in the 2017 Draft.
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