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Pac-12 Basketball: 5 best players headed to the 2017 NBA Draft

By Drew Dinnhaupt

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves the ball against the Saint Mary’s Gaels during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) moves the ball against the Saint Mary’s Gaels during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Lauri Markkanen – Arizona

Stats: 15.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 0.9 APG
Draft Express Rank: No. 6

While Markkanen didn’t post astounding numbers his freshman year, his ceiling is too promising to ignore. Scouts rave about the seven-footer who has countless tools in his widening arsenal.

Markkanen’s game translated very well to the collegiate level, as he is now expected to be a top-10 selection after just one year at Arizona. Finishing second in scoring and first in rebounding on Arizona, the Wildcats’ Sweet Sixteen run is heavily credited to Markkanen’s production.

The Finnish big man is dominant on the offensive end of the floor. Markkanen shot over 49 percent from the field while nailing nearly two three-pointers per contest. He was very reliable from the charity stripe as well, knocking down 84 percent of his attempts. Markkanen’s combination of post and perimeter skills is extraordinary and makes him such an intriguing prospect.

Though a guaranteed lottery pick, cracking the top 5 would be quite difficult for Markkanen with the likes of Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, and others projected ahead of him. There’s no doubt that Markkanen has a very bright professional career ahead of him.

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