WATCH: Rob Dillingham’s first press conference with the Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves introduced Rob Dillingham in a press conference at the Target Center on Wednesday. A fan-favorite in his one year in Lexington, Dillingham was the eighth overall pick in last week’s NBA Draft. Minnesota traded up to land the former Wildcat, and today, he took questions about his new basketball home, beginning with his initial feelings when the Timberwolves made a move to get him.

“It was just a crazy experience for real,” Dillingham explained. “The Timberwolves are one of the best teams in the NBA, so I wouldn’t think I’d go to a contender right off rip. So, me seeing that I’m going to the Timberwolves, it was just a blessing for real.

“I was just happy that I get to learn from so many vets that’s on the team and so many players that’s done it,” he added. “Talking to Coach, he just made me feel comfortable, and he told me that I’m gonna have a role as long as I have responsibility and do what I’m supposed to do. I feel like it’s a two-way street, and as long as I keep it the right way, then it’s gonna go good.”

One of Dillingham’s new veteran teammates is Mike Conley, “a legendary point guard,” in Dillingham’s words. The rookie and the vet will compete for ballhandling minutes in Minnesota’s backcourt. Still, Conley was one of the first people to reach out to Dillingham.

“He was just telling me it was a great fit and a great spot for me to learn, and that just shows me that learning from him, that’s like a big thing for me,” said the former Kentucky star. The entire team reached out to tell him he landed in a good situation if he is willing to work.

Later in the conversation, Dillingham was asked to name some of his favorite NBA players, to which he politely declined because “we’re going to be playing against them.”

Hear more from Dillingham and fellow Wolves rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. in their introductory press conference below. They’re eager to contend for a championship right away.