The New Orleans Pelicans selected Duke University freshman Zion Williamson, who was the top college player in America last season, as their No. 1 pick.
What We Know:
- Williamson is one of the most exciting prospects to enter the league since LeBron James in 2003. “I don’t know what to say,” he said. “I didn’t think I’d be in this position. My mom sacrificed a lot for me and I wouldn’t be here without my mom,” Williamson said tearfully.
- The Duke University Freshman was named ACC Player of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year. He averaged about 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks per game.
- Williamson is the ninth top-10 draft pick from the school since 2011, and the second No. 1 pick joining Kyrie Irving, who was selected first overall in 2011 by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- “He may be an All-Star right away,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski told Yahoo! Sports in the days leading up to the draft. “There’s no ceiling, really. He doesn’t have a weakness. … He wants to be special. He’s a gift from God, really, for a coach.”
Williamson will join a team that already had good two-way point guard Jrue Holiday, and recently agreed to a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart.
