D’Angelo Russell’s plan from the start was to play basketball at Ohio State for at least two seasons, if not longer.
Russell’s first season, however, was so good, it ended up being his only season with the Buckeyes.
So there was Russell, 19, at a press conference today, explaining why he’s entering the NBA draft, in which it’s widely projected that the 6-foot-5 guard from Louisville, Ky. will be a top five pick on June 25.
“I never envisioned this or expected it to happen,” Russell said.
At least not this fast, but then Russell’s freshman season included him being voted the Big Ten freshman of the year, earning consensus first-team All-American honors, and finishing fifth in voting for the Wooden Award given to the college player of the year.