D'Angelo Russell, his flashy smile and smooth passing are headed to the place where the biggest stars in America reign: Hollywood.
From a tale of the unexpected, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Russell with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft Thursday, the spot many analysts thought the franchise would select Duke big man and ACC Player of the Year Jahlil Okafor.
Russell will wear No. 1 in the pros.
"I can’t even talk right now," Russell told ESPN's Shannon Spake moments after getting drafted. "The journey I’ve been through, the stress, the pain that my family's been through, it’s tough. It’s a surreal moment that I can’t really explain."
Russell reportedly worked out for the Lakers multiple times prior to the draft, but Okafor's stellar post game and size to pair with forward Julius Randle had led many to believe that to be the direction they would go. Apparently, though, the Lakers couldn't shake the good vibes they felt from Russell — a guy they see with the potential to become a star in the league.
The reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and first team Associated Press All-American, Russell averaged 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game during Ohio State's 2014-15 campaign. He led the Buckeyes to 24 wins and the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
Russell figures to be part of the Lakers' plans immediately opposite five-time NBA champion and future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant.
"I want him to take me under his wing and gain every piece of knowledge I can really gain," Russell told Spake. "That franchise isn't used to losing, and I'm a winning player. They got winning players, a winning coaching staff, everybody's used to winning around there. I feel like I fit in great."
The freshman from Louisville ends a brief hiatus for the Buckeyes in the draft. Prior to last year when none were taken, at least one former Buckeye had been drafted each year since 2007. Russell becomes the eighth first round selection in Thad Matta's 11 seasons at the helm in Columbus.
SEC Freshman of the Year and Kentucky center Karl-Anthony Towns went first overall to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
