Leading to the draft, rumors swirled that Collins was leaning toward Derrick Favors, a Georgia Tech freshman power forward, or Syracuse junior swingman Wesley Johnson.
Collins praised Johnson's workout, but in the end, he said, Turner fit everything the Sixers wanted.
"I was definitely excited, and it's a great memory to have," Turner said of hearing his name called. "It's a great opportunity . . ."
"I'm just glad to be here and get drafted by the team I wanted to get selected by."
The former Buckeye will make a slotted rookie salary of $3.835 million this season. The Sixers last had the No. 2 pick in 1997, and they took Keith Van Horn, then immediately traded his rights to New Jersey as part of a deal that brought Tim Thomas and Anthony Parker to Philadelphia.
But Thursday at New York's Theatre at Madison Square Garden, Turner became a Sixer moments after the Washington Wizards selected Kentucky freshman John Wall first overall.
While Wall may have more upside, draft experts believe Turner is the most NBA-ready player of the draft.
His impressive mid-range game, high basketball IQ, and craftiness are among the many reasons the Sixers are pairing him with point guard Jrue Holiday, last year's first-round pick. Turner has the ability to play point guard, shooting guard, and small forward.
"I think he is so mature as a basketball player," Stefanski said. "The one thing I think is the biggest compliment you can give a player is he makes his teammates better. This kid is unselfish. He makes good decisions, trying to get people the basketball. He's a terrific mid-range shooter."
The franchise hopes the 21-year-old Turner and 20-year-old Holiday will become a dominant backcourt tandem for many seasons. Collins said Turner also would be a backup point guard in certain lineups.
