Markelle Fultz set for the stage of being No. 1 pick
In the often unpredictable world of the NBA, there is some symmetry in Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons likely becoming teammates as pros.
Barring an unforeseen change, Fultz will be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on Thursday night, joining Simmons with the Philadelphia 76ers in an attempt to invigorate a once proud franchise.
Two stars worthy of the top pick in consecutive years, neither of which was able to lead their college programs to team success in their one season on campus.
LSU didn't reach the NCAA Tournament in Simmons' lone year in Baton Rouge before becoming the top pick by the Sixers last year, and Washington finished 9-22 this season with Fultz.
Fultz is a natural talent on the court that moves with fluidity and ease, and his abilities and tendencies have been dissected heavily heading into Thursday's draft.
"When I'm on the court, I feel at peace really," Fultz said in an interview last October with the Associated Press.
Kelsey Plum, the former Huskies guard and NCAA all-time scoring leader in women's basketball, became buds with Fultz during the one season they were both at Washington.
Fultz was hyped as a possible No. 1 draft pick from the time he stepped on campus at Washington.