Last night, Kentucky freshman center Karl-Anthony Townes walked across the stage of the Barkleys Center in Brooklyn, New York after being picked first in the 2015 NBA draft.
Two more freshman followed directly behind in Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell and Duke center Jahlil Okafor making them three out of 13 total freshman taken in the draft which was a record for drafts in the common era.
There were 13 freshmen drafted in the first round of the #NBADraft. That's the most EVER in the common draft era. pic.twitter.com/54h37jktyA
— ESPN (@espn) June 26, 2015
In addition to Towns, Kentucky added two more freshman to the 2015 draft. The NBA also added two more of Okafor’s freshman Blue Devil teammates as both Kentucky and Duke led the way with three freshman draftees a piece.
Fan reactions have been divisive on the issue of one-and-done players and both sides made themselves heard yesterday during and after the draft.
@espn freshmen running it this year. Players are more advanced at an early age these days.
— HeFromTheSouth (@champion2301) June 26, 2015
@espn The trend for the second round of the NBA draft is to draft international players. Leave school after freshman year is the best option
— Robert Jones (@JonesRj1200) June 26, 2015
Watching the NBA Draft and seeing all these freshman making millions. Why did I stop growing?
— Nick Purcell (@NickPurcell15) June 26, 2015
@espn: Exactly why I'm not an NBA fan…These players don't last
— Carol Lynne (@steeler1828) June 26, 2015
@espn and that's why the talent in the league has been watered down for years
— TRAV (@rav617) June 26, 2015
