METUCHEN, N.J. — Two days before his only visit with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are expected to select him No. 1 in Thursday’s N.B.A. draft, Karl-Anthony Towns dripped sweat in a shallow corner of the 3-point arc at St. Joseph’s High School.
“I need some adversity!” he shouted. “I need some adversity!”
The gym was quiet, empty and cool. It was locked from the inside, restricting any visitors. Two workers silently entered to begin summer repairs, hoisting a banner onto the northern wall, using a nail gun that sporadically pierced the percussion of dribbling.