VIDEO: Meet Karl-Anthony Towns's alter-ego, Karlito
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to Karl-Anthony Towns.
The 6-foot-11, 250-pound NBA hopeful has an imaginary friend, and he's not afraid to admit it.
"Karlito" is the name of Towns's alter-ego and biggest critic. If he misses a free throw or forgets to box out, Karlito is the first to give him an earful. Instead of talking back to his coach, he directs his scorn toward Karlito.
On the day of the 2015 NBA Draft, Samsung released a video of the company's collaboration with Towns on a project that brings Karlito to life.
During Towns's lone season in college, Kentucky head coach John Calipari established a relationship with Karlito as well. Coach Cal viewed his player's friend as a useful way of channeling focus and frustration. "He's such a great kid," Calipari said. "He doesn't want to talk back to you, so he turns his head to the side and talks to that little man on his shoulder."
If there was ever a positive manifestation of multiple personalities on the basketball court, this would be it.
Towns is expected to be selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.