Busting through Expectations and Shoes: Zion Williamson for Player of the Year
The freshmen five-star recruit that has taken the college basketball scene by storm — is arguably the only player worthy enough to receive the Naismith Player of the Year award.
The basketball world knew that Zion Williamson, the rookie from Spartanburg, SC was going to make a huge impact as a new addition to the Duke Blue Devils, but the world was not ready for him to be larger than life. At 6–7" the power forward has been averaging 21.6 points per game, and 8.8 rebounds per game, making him a key component in the team’s success. Zion was first noticed back in high school for some incredible dunks.
Like these from the 2018 McDonald’s All American Powerade Jam Fest:
The kid has been on fire ever since, consistently starting for the Blue Devils, he has been one of the key factors to their success this season. With Zion on the team, they have maintained a top 3 ranking on both the AP Top 25, and Coaches Poll for the entire season thus far.
He recieved big praise from LeBron James, when he went to catch a game back in early Feburary. LeBron told ESPN, ‘“For his size, how strong he is, to be able to move like the way he moves, he’s very impressive. I mean, everybody can see the athleticism. But the speed and the quickness that he moves [with] at that size is very impressive.”’
Zion is often compared to his other first year teammate, RJ Barrett, who is also a candidate for the Naismith Player of the Year Award, but together, the duo form a power house that is one only few dare to mess with. Zion however is seemingly out shooting and out rebounding Barrett, making him a stronger candidate.
Similar to what LeBron was saying, the shear size of the dude is incredible, the way he busted through his shoe says it all.
Since his injury where they lost to North Carolina, the team has been not doing as hot, falling to Virginia Tech. Many are wondering if the team can win without him.
What’s next for Williamson? Hopefully he will be recovering from the sprained knee he received blowing through his shoe in the Duke vs. North Carolina game, but many are looking to the NBA draft as it is currently predicted that Zion will end this collegiate season as the №1 top pick. The anticipation grows, as we must wait till June to find out.
