University of Arizona Athletics

Less than a year after being an All-American at the University of Arizona, Chicago Bulls rookie Lauri Markkanen found himself back in the state of Arizona. What changed since Markkanen was in the Grand Canyon State last? The seventh overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft has made more than just a name for himself in the NBA. He's already a focal point on opposing scouting reports, as was on display when the Bulls played in Phoenix.

"He's going to be a great player," said Phoenix Suns interim head coach Jay Triano prior to Sunday's game. "He is a good player now. Our scouting reports today are concerned about how are we going to stop him, how we're not going to let him get comfortable."

In less than two months, Markkanen went from top-ten pick potential to one of the NBA's top rookies averaging 14 points and seven rebounds per game, second on his team in both. He rose from "one of Chicago's guys" to top billing on those scouting reports by doing more of the same. More of the humble, hard-working kid from Finland that Arizona fans saw as a freshman.

"The kid has no fear," Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg told the Chicago Tribune earlier in November. "He's growing every game. He's a student of it. He wants to watch film and he's a humble kid. He has all the qualities to be a superstar in this league."

He still has that joyful smirk as he takes the floor for pregame warmups at Talking Stick Resort Arena. You might remember that's about the most you can get out of Markkanen at times, exuding that typical stoic Finnish modesty. He's not even fazed by the sudden eruption of fire from the Suns' pregame flamethrowers as he stretched. That's because Markkanen is still a creature of habit going through his pregame routine with the Chicago coaching staff. Jumpers from multiple spots beyond the arc, shooting on the move, rip-through drives for dunks and free throws. The rinse and repeat of the 7-foot Finnish prodigy.

The cycle of life for an NBA player brought him another familiar transition; hot to cold.

"I like cold (weather), which is what I have in Chicago," Markkanen says with a grin in the Chicago locker room. "But, being back in Arizona is a nice change of weather."

He is fine with the Chicago winter weather because it feels like home to the northern Finland native. He enjoys cooking meals at home as he did with his family growing up, and true to form, Markkanen is still very much a Wildcat.

"What I miss about Arizona is the people," Markkanen explains. "It was a great group of guys on the team. The coaching staff and my teammates were all a good group of people."

The non-stop grind of the NBA's schedule doesn't allow him to watch Arizona games live, but his phone keeps him connected to the program. He shares texts with his former teammates and coaches and consumes everything he can on this year's team on the internet.

"I still watch everything I can on YouTube. Anything that's from the Arizona Wildcats; press conferences and highlights because unfortunately I don't have a chance to watch too many of the games," he continued.  "I've seen him (Deandre) on television a couple times and he looks huge. I saw Allonzo is playing really well early on, so I just wish the best for them and all the guys on the team this year."

It's more of the same for the 20-year old from Jyväskylä. More of the same for Finland's prodigal son, proud Arizona product and proud Chicago Bull. More of the same of Markkanen means a few things in the future.

The even-keel, steady development of the new prototypical NBA power forward.

The down-to-earth, unflappable personality that will make him a great guy in the locker room and a media favorite.

And if opposing NBA coaches are right; more of the same means a great NBA player.