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Time to recognize Lauri Markkanen's name and game

The name might not be recognizable -- or pronounceable -- but it's time to get to know Arizona's Lauri Markkanen. Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

It's been all about the talented point guards, the injuries to the Duke freshman trio and, of course, the Kentucky Wildcats' youngsters.

Lost in the talk of first-year players has been the stellar play of Finnish 7-footer Lauri Markkanen,who, with the absence of Allonzo Trier, has quickly and quietly become the focal point of the Arizona offense.

Markkanen checks in averaging 17.8 PPG, third in the Pac-12, and is fifth in the league in 3-point shooting (46 percent) while also averaging 7.2 rebounds. He has only seven turnovers in the first nine games.