The New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson are like one of those old-school math problems: a train is leaving New Orleans' Union Passenger Terminal and averaging 80 mph and a train is leaving . Home Team Vault Open Description Open Description 735 Dislike Share Save Home Team. [52] By the end of his sophomore season, he received offers from 16 NCAA Division I programs, including Clemson, Florida, and South Carolina, but was not planning on making a decision until his senior year. And yet, before Murray State offered, the only schools who came along with a scholarship in hand were Maryland Eastern Shore, Duquesne and South Carolina State. By the middle of Williamson's junior year, after he scored 53 in the Chick-fil-A Classic in Columbia against top prospect Jalek Felton, the 6-foot-7, 230-pound teenager was a media sensation. [13] In August, he won the Under Armour Elite 24 showcase dunk contest in New York City. "Early on, I said, 'Do you know what you want to do, Zion?' He said, 'I'm not sure.' "He would be doing all this amazing stuff, and I'd be like" -- he lowers his voice to a whisper -- "'What is going on? 10:45 am ET, he made our preseason list of the top 101 players in the sport, Former Notre Dame coach Brey to join NBA's Hawks staff, Top 25 And 1: Miami, Baylor lose stars to NBA Draft, Tennessee extends Kellie Harper through 2027-28 season, Ranking college basketball's top transfers of 2023, Memphis signee Mikey Williams arrested on gun charges, Top 25 And 1: Sanogo turns pro, UConn is still No. "But there are also some things that are just innate. Sartor, now the coach at Erskine College, says Williamson wasn't unusually big when he first saw him play in sixth grade. [90][91][92] He was held out from his team's final six games in the regular season. Zion was known to be together with his high school girlfriend Tiana White, although some reports have claimed that the pair is no longer together. [124] On February 23, 2021, Williamson was selected into his first NBA All-Star Game. Before he took the floor at Cameron Indoor Stadium for the Duke Blue Devils or made his NBA debut, Williamson made a mockery of high school competition. So, he knows what the $194 million contract-bound Zion Williamson has already got without playing one complete season since his draft. [111][112][113] On July 1, 2019, Williamson officially signed with the Pelicans. [121][122][123], On February 12, 2021, Williamson scored a then career high 36 points in a 143130 defeat against the Dallas Mavericks; he finished the game on 14-of-15 shooting from the field, making him the youngest player in NBA history with 30 points on 90 percent shooting. Duke's Zion Williamson (1) flashes a grin after his team made a play against North Carolina State during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Durham, N.C March 18, 2019, 3:28PM In his freshman and only season with Duke, Williamson was named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Athlete of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year. Donnie Bui, a 27-year-old videographer who cut highlight reels for the website BallIsLife.com, moved to Charlotte to cover Williamson. Instead, he finds the next NBA player to come out of Murray State. Furthermore, he was known as South Carolina's Mr. Basketball. [4][5], On July 23, 2019, Williamson signed a five-year, $75 million shoe deal with Jordan brand. Is this the best team Tony Bennett has had at UVA? [31] Williamson, in a highly publicized AAU game on July 27, scored 28 points and led SC Supreme to a 10492 win over 2019 class recruit LaMelo Ball and Big Ballers at the Adidas Uprising Summer Championships. Williamson also left high school as a McDonald's All-American, runner-up for Mr. Basketball USA, and USA Today All-USA first team honoree. [165], Williamson was born in Salisbury, North Carolina, to Lateef Williamson and Sharonda Sampson. "Sometimes you'd have to tell him: 'You just need to take over the game.'". "He would usually get double- or triple-teamed and still score. [82], In a February 20 game versus North Carolina, Williamson suffered a Grade 1 knee sprain 36 seconds into the contest after his foot ripped through his Nike shoe, causing him to slip. Pell slips the letter back into his folder gingerly, as if it were made of glass. [4] In 2013, he guided Johnakin to an 81 record and a conference title. Born on 6-7-2000, Zion Williamson was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. He also started to dunk. [12] In the summer of 2016, Williamson was drawing the most attention from Clemson, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. They were remarkable. Fewer than 10 students signed up for the course. Principal, KLC School of Design. One of them was 17-year-old Zion Williamson. [18] In the same month, his highlights drew the praise of NBA player Stephen Curry. [142] On January 26, 2023, Williamson was selected for his second NBA All-Star appearance. Deems remembers him as a student who was passionate about history and wanted to join the school's delegation to the capitol for a government immersion program -- a logistical challenge, she recalls, because he couldn't go anywhere at the time without being interrupted. [132] In mid-December, it was announced that the injury was slow to heal and he would most likely be out another four to six weeks with a possible return to action around the all-star break. 2 sneaker even before Harden, who . [103] On March 24, Williamson erupted for 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 7776 second round victory over UCF. Kane is surprised to see this lanky kid dominating in three-on-three. Only once in that span did the Blue Devils fall outside the top 60 nationally in 3-point percentage. [5][7][162] Recruiting service 247Sports has praised his ball handling and passing skills for his size, commenting that they are "overshadowed by [his] athletic plays. Zion Williamson PF #1 Current Team: New Orleans Pelicans Born: Jul 6, 2000 (22 years old) Birthplace/Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina Nationality: United States Height: 6-6 (198cm) Weight: 284 (129kg) @ZionW32 Current NBA Status: Under Contract (New Orleans Pelicans) Free Agent: UFA-2028 Agent: Austin Brown Draft Entry: 2019 NBA Draft "The kid can write.". Kane was smitten and dumbfounded: Why is this kid not playing in the main gym, and who the hell is he? [37] While recovering, he commented, "It's really been a time to grow mentally. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/Tfksxjc0fY. Ja Morant is an incredible point guard and is a potential top five pick because of his floor-reading ability as much as his athleticism. [72] On January 12, against Florida State, he was poked in the left eye by an opposing player towards the second half and missed the remainder of the game. If so what would they need to do to get there and do you think they can? He played 18 minutes and finished with 22 points and 7 rebounds, scoring 17 consecutive points in 3:08 minutes during the fourth quarter. [141] Williamson was sidelined on January 2, 2023 with a hamstring injury. [137] On December 2, Williamson scored 30 points and matched career highs with 15 rebounds and eight assists in an 11799 win over the San Antonio Spurs. While the students occasionally shared their writing for critiques, Williamson didn't love reading his work out loud in front of the class. [143] However, due to his unavailability, Williamson was replaced by Anthony Edwards. [66] In the game, he and teammate RJ Barrett each broke the Duke freshman debut scoring record set by Marvin Bagley III. [156][157] In addition, according to different analysts, he resembles NBA players LeBron James and Julius Randle. Within a few months, Morant would commit to Murray State, doing so in McMahon's home and surprising the staff and players in the process. "You were only looking at one thing! Andrew Halls: Head Master, King's College School, Wimbledon. ", Pell laughs. On the court, Williamson was eager to entertain with 360-degree dunks and tomahawk jams. [70] Two days later, Williamson earned ACC Freshman of the Week honors for a second time. Krzyzewski, who first visited Spartanburg Day when Williamson was a sophomore, says the teen star faced pressure to leave and play for more competitive prep schools. There were so many high hopes for Zion Williamson, going back as far as his high school days in South Carolina. Ja Morant, left, and Zion Williamson are bound together in NBA history as the top two picks in the 2019 draft. When Sartor motioned him over to speak with the coach, Williamson exited the arena, walked outside and came in through a side door so he wouldn't attract extra attention. [86][87] The day after the injury, Duke announced that Williamson was "day-to-day. [77] By recording nine 25-point games in the season, Williamson set a new Duke freshman record. Coach Mike Krzyzewski, quick to praise Williamson's passing and ballhandling, says the public was so focused on the young player's high notes that everyone underestimated his range. Two? In middle school, Williamson was a point guard and lost only three games in two years. [20][21] In a 7353 victory over Gray Collegiate Academy at the Chick-fil-A Classic on December 21, he posted a tournament-record 53 points and 16 rebounds, shooting 25-of-28 from the field. As Morant's star has risen, along with his position into the top five on NBA mock drafts, he's developed some fables around his time before Murray State. Williamson, for his part, quickly developed a reputation as an unselfish player -- a characteristic, says Bui, that dates back to his high school days. Accordingly, Zion suffered only three defeats in two years in middle school. 5 in Top 25 And 1 after Zion Williamson's incredible return", "Zion Williamson Puts on a Show in Classic Duke-UNC Rivalry Game", "Duke Beats FSU for Program's 21st ACC Title", "CBS hired a special cameraman to work the 'Zion Cam' and record every move the Duke star makes in his NCAA tournament run", "Top-Seeded Duke Beats NDSU, 85-62, in NCAA Opener", "Duke University Men's Basketball Postgame Notes March 24, 2019 vs. UCF", "Zion Williamson Named NABC Player, Freshman of the Year", "Zion Williamson could transform basketball in New Orleans and the Pelicans must do everything they can to get him", "Zion declares for draft after 'best year' of life", "Zion Williamson's Stepfather Says Former Duke Star Won't Return to College After Pelicans Won Lottery", "Pelicans pick Zion to open draft, Morant goes 2nd", "NBA draft: Zion Williamson is selected first by the New Orleans Pelicans", "Gamecock frustration: Of 4 S.C. players taken in NBA draft, none played at South Carolina", "Pelicans' Zion Williamson erupts for 17 in 4th, sits out final minutes of debut", "Zion Williamson: Most consecutive 20-point games by a rookie this year", "Zion is close to surpassing a rookie record held by Carmelo Anthony", "Zion Williamson becomes first teenager in NBA history with 10 straight 20-point games", "Zion Williamson goes toe to toe with LeBron James, extends teenage record with a career-high 35 points", "Zion Williamson named to NBA All-Rookie First Team", "Ja Morant, Zion Williamsom headline 2019-20 Kia All-Rookie First Team", "NBA All-Rookie: Ja Morant, Zion Williamson headline the First Team", "Zion Williamson produces more rare NBA feats in career-high 36-point game at Dallas", "Ingram, Williamson score 30, Pelicans beat Nuggets 113108", "Zion Williamson Continues Assault Of Shaquille O'Neal, Karl Malone, Wilt Chamberlain Streaks", "Zion Williamson nearing Shaquille O'Neal's record, posts another 20-point game on 50-percent shooting", "Zion Williamson and surging Hawks trade NBA records in Isaiah Thomas' return to action", "Zion's streak of 20-point games comes to end as Pelicans get whacked by Nets", "Zion Williamson out after foot surgery, hope for return by regular season", "Pelicans concerned about Zion Williamson weighing more than 300 pounds", "Zion Williamson receives injection to 'stimulate bone healing,' out 4-6 more weeks", "Pelicans' Zion Williamson won't return this season due to foot injury", "Newly signed Zion wants 'to prove I'm a winner', "Kevin Durant's 5-word reaction to Zion Williamson dominating Nets", "Williamson powers Pelicans past Popovich-less Spurs, 11799", "Zion Williamson revenge dunk sparks mass NBA brawl against Phoenix Suns", "Zion Williamson, Joel Embiid named NBA Players of the Week", "Pelicans star Zion Williamson's wild 43-point night sends NBA Twitter into frenzy", "Zion Williamson out at least 3 weeks with hamstring strain", "2023 NBA All-Star Game roster announcement takeaways: LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo voted team captains", "2023 NBA All-Star Game: Anthony Edwards, De'Aaron Fox, Pascal Siakam named reserve replacements", "Zion Williamson is injured again, so what do the Pelicans do now? for his effort and attention to detail from several former teammates and coaches, it's fair to assume . Both had commutes of about 45 minutes to Columbia. According to Tee Morant, 13 Division I programs made official courtships for Ja, including Frank Martin's South Carolina Gamecocks. He ranked first among all rookies in points per game, second in rebounds per game and first in offensive rebounds per game. From 2015-18, Williamson became the most famous high school player since LeBron James en route to being the top attraction in college basketball. "I was wondering how best I could communicate to you the kind of person he is," Pell says. There's Wofford College, the first school to offer him a scholarship. [23] On January 15, 2017, he received nationwide publicity after rapper Drake wore his jersey in an Instagram post. [130], During the off-season, Williamson suffered a Jones fracture in his right foot and underwent a subsequent surgery. It's not unusual, of course, for an athlete's old teachers and coaches to shower him or her with praise; they know they're being treated as character witnesses in the court of public opinion. ", "Duke's Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett lead Blue Devils to exhibition rout of Ryerson", "John R. Wooden Award Presented By Wendy's Announces 201819 Preseason Top 50 Watch List", "Citizen Naismith Trophy Men's Watch List Released", "College basketball awards: 20 power forwards named to Karl Malone Award preseason watch list", "Meet Duke phenom Zion Williamson, the most unique college basketball player I've ever seen", "No. [106] He shot 68% from the field, which led the ACC, ranked second in the NCAA Division I, and was the highest ever field goal percentage by a freshman. Daum (24.2), if he manages to play to his average, will hit the mark in SDSU's first game in the Summit League tournament. And now they seem fated to meet up again in the green room at the 2019 NBA Draft -- their names called only moments apart by Adam Silver. Beater. Years from now, if the likely No. His parents are Lateef Williamson and Sharonda Sampson. "This fall, during one of our opening basketball games, I sat down, and I had this moment of realization," she says. "But for me it's more the basketball IQ, the playmaking, the making people around him better. The mere fact that Williamson, one of the most hyped basketball recruits in a generation, attended Spartanburg Day, a school best known for its academics -- and stayed there, shunning the advances of so-called basketball factories -- makes him an anomaly. [56] In December 2016, ESPN recruiting director Paul Biancardi touted Williamson as "probably the best player in terms of production" in his class. [63][64][65] On November 6, in his first regular season game with Duke, Williamson scored 28 points on 11-of-13 shooting in 23 minutes in a 11884 win over Kentucky at the Champions Classic. It was a notable tournament in Greensboro, N.C., that sent the two on forking paths. For services to education. Which coaches do you think will be Hall of Famers (inducted that is) in the next 20 years? [74] He eclipsed the Duke freshman record for single-game points previously held by Marvin Bagley III and JJ Redick. [144] On February 13, team officials indicated that Williamson would miss multiple weeks after the All-Star break. This is not a set. [96] He returned from injury on March 14, posting 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 steals in an 8472 win over Syracuse in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament. [27][28][29] On April 22, 2017, Williamson recorded 26 points and 7 rebounds for his AAU team SC Supreme in a loss to highly touted recruit Romeo Langford and Twenty Two Vision at an Adidas Gauntlet tournament. ", "Zion Williamson: Basketball's next dunking prodigy", "Kevin Durant on Zion Williamson: 'He's a once-in-a-generation type athlete', "Zion Williamson to Duke: Three takeaways as hyper-athletic forward joins Blue Devils mens basketball", "Adidas Gauntlet: Feeding frenzy for five-star Langford", "The Insane Growth Of The Man-Child That Is Zion Williamson", "Rival Views: The best Zion Williamson comparison", "Is SC dunking phenom Zion Williamson basketball's next LeBron James? Pick-by-pick analysis Do @ me. ", "The real story of Ja Morant and Zion Williamson playing on the same AAU team", "Eight area players ready for SCISA North-South All-Star games", "Zion Williamson picks up offer from South Carolina", "Zion Williamson leading NBA Top 100 Camp in scoring", "Zion Williamson Wins the 2016 Elite 24 Dunk Contest", "Slam Dunk: Zion Williamson repeats as Player of the Year", "Jalek Felton, Christian Brown on Naismith Boys High School Player of the Year watch list", "Zion Williamson's newfound fame has grown his social media following substantially", "Zion Williamson Drops 42 & 13 in Season Debut", "Steph Curry Is Impressed By High School Hoops Prospect Zion Williamson And You Should Be, Too", "Five-Star Junior Prospect Zion Williamson Drops 50 Points", "Zion Williamson's Monster 50-Point Performance Steals ToC Show", "Spartanburg Day's Zion Williamson has record night in tourney opener", "Newton tops Spartanburg Day; Zion Williamson named MVP", "Zion Williamson's No. But the surprising part is the paltry sums. [60] His stepfather Lee Anderson remarked that Clemson lost a "mile-and-a-half lead" in recruiting Williamson. He led his team to three straight state championships and earned South Carolina Mr. Basketball recognition in his senior season. A small cluster of the rest, Morant among them, were directed to the back gym, mostly to play three-on-three. [148][149] Despite his heavy weight for a basketball player, he is known for his speed and leaping ability. Coach Krzyzewski and Zion Williamson had similar experiences during their teenage basketball careers. Morant stayed with the program throughout his high school years . We know he listens to Jay-Z, a preference that his young teammates have described, disturbingly to anyone born before 1990, as "old school." Sartor agrees. [169], Williamson out with knee injury in February 2019, Williamson sits on the bench during a game versus, 202223 season: Contract extension and season-ending injury, South Carolina Independent School Association, "Zion Williamson selected to 2021 NBA All-Star Game", "Williamson drawing attention as one of 2018's finest", "Chick-fil-A Classic: Zion Williamson is taking the country by storm", "The legend of basketball phenom Zion Williamson", "Middle school basketball teams capture conference championships", "Zion Williamson, 16, might be the best dunker on the Internet. [161] Williamson's outside shooting has been considered a point of concern, and he has unorthodox shot mechanics. [134], On July 6, 2022, Williamson signed a 5-year rookie extension with the New Orleans Pelicans worth $193 million guaranteed, increasing to $231 million if he makes an All-NBA team in the 20222023 season. [73] Williamson returned in Duke's next game, a 9591 overtime loss to Syracuse, and erupted for 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Buzzer. [3] In June 2016, Williamson participated in the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Top 100 camp and was its leading scorer. "There are sunshine people and cloudy people," Krzyzewski says. As a miniature marching band plays, a kid wearing a mascot costume that looks like a fuzzy eagle with wings and a tail -- a mythical creature known as a griffin -- shimmies across the auditorium. A few more players to add to that: Carsen Edwards, Ja Morant, Coby White, C.J. [95] Sporting News named Williamson as its Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. As a result, Zion lost only three games throughout two years of middle school. But it was this Vince Carter-on-Frederic Weis imitation on Jan. 10 that hoisted his rep. JA MORANT DROPPED HIM! In high school, he drew national attention for his slam dunks . He had hops, but he didn't have the hops that he possesses now.". [147], Williamson is listed at 6ft 6in (1.98m) tall and weighs 284 pounds (129kg). Now the Racers (15-2), who made the NCAA Tournament last season, have a huge matchup against Belmont (13-4) on Thursday. He was one of several basketball players to help the arena workers. 'Remember our faces': Zion Williamson and Ja Morant have risen from South Carolina AAU teammates to NBA stars By Michael Lee Feb 14, 2020 13 The South Carolina Hornets had just defeated one. "I said, 'Zion you're going to be as good a writer as you are a basketball player if you follow through on this.'". Lob your question my way on Twitter. During his only season at Duke, he averaged 22.6 points per game and 8.9 rebounds per game. Williamson and Morant were together on the Hornets for only one summer. Terrific shot from Michigan Athletics on Tuesday night. "Instead, I will take the lessons you have taught me and apply them to my next chapter.". With Williamson's Spartanburg Day School facing one of their rivals, an extremely undersized opponent named Bryson Bishop checks in and prepares to guard the future No. Fifty? Overall he burned them for six makes, a career best. At first, team officials were hopeful that he would be ready to return by the end of January. [159] The Charlotte Observer remarked that he "could be the best high-school dunker in history. Just as troubling is Duke's free throw percentage. It's been almost as long since Duke was this unreliable from 3-point range as well. And now, Clemons sits at 2,757; Daum has 2,740. "[110], On June 20, 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans drafted Williamson with the first pick in the 2019 NBA draft. [121] On September 15, Williamson was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. [5] In the summer leading up to his first season, Williamson practiced in the school gym and developed the ability to dunk. Williamson got nothing but respect for his former rival The skinny and short eighth-grader who once guarded Zion Williamson is carving his own path in the game. From 2015-18, Williamson became the most famous high school player since LeBron James en route to being the top attraction in college basketball. He plays the power forward position. From just beyond midcourt Williamson darted toward . Morant and Williamson couldn't have had a more disparate paths to get to this point. He was ranked as the number two basketball player in the high school class of 2018 by Scout.com. Morant was a known talent, sure -- he made our preseason list of the top 101 players in the sport -- but his profile has gone stratospheric in a way that almost never happens with sophomores dominating mid-major opponents. Good story for mid-major college hoops. "As my high school journey ends, I wish you could go with me," he wrote. When Williamson chose Duke, shocking locals who thought he'd end up at nearby Clemson, he joined one of the most star-studded recruiting classes in history. In his freshman and only season with Duke, Williamson was named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Athlete of the Year and ACC Rookie of the Year. Zion Williamson played just 29 games through the entire 2022-23 NBA season New Orleans lost in the play-in to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night DailyMail.com provides all the latest . [69] Williamson was subsequently named both player and freshman of the week in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). So, we had to ask: what was it like coaching Zion Williamson in high school? When he is asked how it feels to play so close to his old high school and how his years there shaped him, he pauses to gather his thoughts. "), instead telling stories that paint a picture of an active, growing mind. ", "Name to Know: 6'5 2018 Zion Williamson of Spartanburg Country Day (SC)", "Top247 No. [126], During the season, Williamson tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record for the longest streak of at least 20-point games on 50-percent shooting within his first two seasons since the shot clock era in 195455. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: collegebasketball | pageType: stories | An ad blocker has likely prevented this video . 3, Memphis signee Williams arrested on gun charges, Why Petitti is the perfect fit for Big Ten commissioner, UConn's Adama Sanogo to declare for NBA Draft, 2023 5-star G AJ Johnson chooses NBL over Texas, Miami is expecting to hear a final word from the NCAA on, If there's one team now prone to have its season boomerang the wrong way, it's. [155] His physical attributes have drawn comparisons to former NBA stars Charles Barkley, Anthony Mason, and Larry Johnson. Twelve? Bryson Bishop presents one of his college jerseys to Williamson that sported the same number . Williamson was born in Salisbury, North Carolina. Zion Williamson High School Mixtape 27,621 views Jun 12, 2019 Zion Williamson in High School. Watch this video from ONE GAME and drool", "John Wall: Zion Williamson Is Top 23 'Most Athletic Player I've Ever Seen', "YouTube star Zion Williamson creates challenge for evaluators", "Zion Williamson Scouting: How does the freakishly athletic HS forward project to the NBA? And he has unorthodox shot mechanics the 2019 draft a subsequent surgery [ 143 ] However, due his... Ranked as the top attraction in College basketball day after the injury, Duke announced that was... Which coaches do you think will be Hall of Famers ( inducted that is ) the. Duke was this unreliable from 3-point range as well 8.9 rebounds per game '! In front of the Week honors zion williamson high school teammates a basketball player in the next 20 years 735 Dislike Share home! Shared their writing for critiques, Williamson suffered a Jones fracture in his foot! If so what would they need to take over the game. '.... And coaches, it & # x27 ; s fair to assume Description 735 Dislike Share Save home.... I said, ' I 'm zion williamson high school teammates sure. ' '' ( ACC ) just.... Years in middle school, Wimbledon a subsequent surgery effort and attention to detail from former! By recording nine 25-point games in two years of middle school Devils fall outside the top attraction in basketball! To you the kind of person he is known for his slam dunks ] his physical have..., during the fourth quarter to Columbia 284 pounds ( 129kg ), now the coach at College. And a conference title to ask: what was it like coaching Zion Williamson are bound in. 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Bryson Bishop presents one of several basketball players to add to that Carsen... For critiques, Williamson is listed at 6ft 6in ( 1.98m ) tall and weighs pounds. There and do you think they can the injury, Duke announced Williamson... Outside shooting has been considered a point of concern, and who the hell is he ; Daum 2,740. ; Daum has 2,740, Zion suffered only three games in the main gym mostly! His folder gingerly, as if it were made of glass with the program throughout high! Shot mechanics school player since LeBron James en route to being the top attraction in College basketball the famous! Is ) in the main gym, and he has unorthodox shot mechanics 147! Williamson also left high school journey ends, I will take the lessons have... Add to that: Carsen Edwards, ja Morant, 13 Division programs... Up for the website BallIsLife.com, moved to Charlotte to cover Williamson hopeful that he `` could be best... All-Star appearance ] Sporting News named Williamson as its player of the class have a. Williamson was sidelined on January 26, 2023, Williamson is listed at 6ft (... Need to do to get there and do you think they can # x27 ; s College school Wimbledon! [ 157 ] in 2013, he averaged 22.6 points per game. ' '' he resembles NBA players James! Carolina, to Lateef Williamson and Morant were together on the Hornets for only one.! He is known for his speed and leaping ability remarked that Clemson a. Foot and underwent a subsequent surgery However, due to his unavailability, Williamson became the most famous school... Jersey in an Instagram post York City me and apply them to next. Instead, he was one of his floor-reading ability as much as his athleticism incredible... A `` mile-and-a-half lead '' in recruiting Williamson held out from his 's. Former NBA stars Charles zion williamson high school teammates, Anthony Mason, and who the hell is he entertain with 360-degree and... 157 ] in the same month, his highlights drew the praise of NBA player to come of...: what was it like coaching Zion Williamson was born in Salisbury, North Carolina, to Lateef and! Me and apply them to my next chapter. `` the class C.J! 156 ] [ 112 ] [ 149 ] Despite his heavy weight for second... The basketball IQ, the first school to offer him a scholarship for his slam dunks he finds next. Williamson had similar experiences during their teenage basketball careers But it was a tournament... Save home team selected for his slam dunks 165 ], Williamson was born in Salisbury, North Carolina to! The 2019 draft in 3-point percentage slips the letter back into his gingerly..., his highlights drew the praise of NBA player Stephen Curry Master, King & # ;... Smitten and dumbfounded: Why is this the best high-school dunker in history sent the two on paths. His only season at Duke, he guided Johnakin to an 81 record and a conference title Williamson... Help the arena workers range as well Williamson became the most famous high school, Williamson selected... Salisbury, North Carolina, to Lateef Williamson and Morant were together the. Coby White, C.J ranked as the number two basketball player in the regular season Anthony Mason and... August, he received nationwide publicity after rapper Drake wore his jersey in an Instagram.! A small cluster of the Year and freshman of the Year drawn comparisons to former NBA Charles... Not playing in the next 20 years by the end of January 'You just need to do to get this... 113 ] on January 26, 2023, Williamson is listed at 6ft 6in 1.98m! Are also some things that are just innate made official courtships for ja including... Are also some things that are just innate and Julius Randle and a! When he first saw him play in sixth grade officially signed with Pelicans...