Karl-Anthony Towns and Devin Booker both played on a talent-rich Kentucky basketball team that produced six NBA draft picks in 2015. While Towns was seen as a top prospect and a likely No. 1 overall pick, Booker had a much different mindset, doubting whether he would even make it to the NBA that year. Towns encouraged Booker to focus on winning together in college, assuring him that their draft prospects would improve if they succeeded as a team.
During the recent NBA Summer League, Towns spoke with Carmelo Anthony on the ‘7 PM in Brooklyn‘ podcast and reflected on the time he and Booker spent together at Kentucky. Their friendship dated back to high school and deepened through their shared journey on Kentucky’s roster.
Struggles and Growth in Kentucky’s Unique System
Booker was not a starter for the Wildcats, as Kentucky employed a platoon system that limited playing time for many players. Towns explained they played roughly 17 and 14 minutes per game respectively, with other bench players also rotating in, which made it difficult for Booker to showcase his full potential early on. Despite limited minutes, the team’s winning record elevated everyone’s value, including Booker’s.
Booker’s Doubts and Towns’ Encouragement
In the interview, Towns recalled how Booker initially believed he would stay at Kentucky for a couple more years while Towns entered the NBA. Towns reassured him that if they both performed well and the team won, their chances in the draft would rise simultaneously. Booker eventually decided to declare for the draft, which led to him being selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns.
“I remember Book was in college and we would used to be sitting there and Book would be like, ‘Man, you about to go to the NBA, you going to get drafted number one and I’m gonna be here in Kentucky for another year or two and I’m going to just try’ and I was like, bro, like if we handle business on the court, we win and stuff, all our draft stocks go up.” —Karl-Anthony Towns
“It makes no sense to stay if we handle business the way we’re supposed to. Fast forward, takes the advice, joins the draft, goes to the Suns, the rest is history.” —Karl-Anthony Towns
Kentucky’s 2015 NBA Draft Impact and Legacy
The 2015 Kentucky team made history by producing six NBA draft picks, tying the record set by Kentucky in 2012 for the most selections from a single college in one year. Alongside Towns and Booker, teammates Willie Cauley-Stein, Trey Lyles, Andrew Harrison, and Dakari Johnson were also drafted into the NBA. This repeated success highlighted Kentucky’s status as one of the nation’s premier college basketball programs and underscored head coach John Calipari’s influence in developing NBA talent.
Booker’s progression from a bench player with doubts about his draft prospects to the leading figure of the Phoenix Suns franchise illustrates the transformative power of Kentucky’s system and Towns’ early confidence in his teammate. Their combined success has helped maintain Kentucky’s legacy as a fertile pipeline for professional basketball talent.
Insights into Kentucky’s Team Dynamics and Coaching
Despite the limited playing time under the platoon system, team chemistry and winning culture created an environment where players’ draft stock was boosted collectively. Towns commented on how Kentucky’s bench strength was unique, with multiple players sharing court time and contributing to victories, even if individual minutes were restricted.
“He never started. We did the platoon system. I don’t know if anyone even remembers that. That was, it’s crazy to say, 10 years ago. I don’t remember that. But like the team, we were off a platoon system.” —Karl-Anthony Towns
“So it was like I only played 17 minutes a game. Book played like 14. And then the rest of our bench, we used to be, hey, you college basketball couldn’t f**k with us. So the deep bench was even playing. So they were getting by like eight minutes a game.” —Karl-Anthony Towns
“And we were just playing, but he never got that chance to show what he could do. But we were winning. And when you win in college, everyone’s value goes up.” —Karl-Anthony Towns
From Kentucky to NBA Stardom: What Comes Next?
Karl-Anthony Towns and Devin Booker‘s story highlights how perseverance and teamwork in college can translate into professional success. With both players now established NBA stars, their early Kentucky days provide a blueprint for future athletes navigating the transition from college to the pros. As Kentucky continues to produce top-tier talent, the legacy of players like Towns and Booker will inspire upcoming basketball players to believe in their potential and seize the moment.