Christie congratulates NJ’s Karl Towns

Midway through Thursday night's ‘Ask the Governor’ program, news came down that Piscataway native, Karl-Anthony Towns, was selected number one in the NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The pick was widely expected, but continues an astonishing run for the state’s hoops scene as he becomes the third New Jerseyan in the last five years to be selected in the top two.

While Christie wishes his Knicks were able to draft the 6’11 Towns, he said it is great for New Jersey to have him selected first overall.

In fact, Christie watched Towns play in person during this year’s NCAA Regional Finals pitting the University of Kentucky against Notre Dame, where his daughter attends.

The governor came away quite impressed, calling the St. Joe’s of Metuchen product "quite the player."

“It’s great for him to be that first pick and I think he is going to have a great career,” Christie said.

Christie and host Eric Scott both agreed that Towns comes off as a really good kid from a good family, who has his head on straight.

“Congratulations to him and to his family. I’m sure they’re thrilled,” Christie said. “What a great story for them, for their family and a good story for our state.”