Duke Basketball

Duke star Zion Williamson is the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA draft, which might mean he has nothing more to prove at the college level.

That's why NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen thinks Williamson should sit out for the rest of the year (relevant discussion begins at 4:33):

"I think he's done enough for college basketball, that it's more about him personally now," Pippen said Tuesday on ESPN's The Jump. "I think for him as a young player (pauses), I would shut it down. I would stop playing, because I feel that he could risk a major injury that could really hurt his career."

Williamson entered his freshman season with a lot of hype. He has exceeded it while averaging 21.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.9 blocks per game on the year. 

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman listed him as the No. 1 prospect in the class and put him in a tier by himself.

NBA teams are also extremely high on Williamson as he continues to showcase his wide skill set.

"One league personnel man told me recently that he sees Williamson as a cross between Larry Johnson and Charles Barkley, which is obviously monstrous praise," a scout told Marc Stein of the New York Times.

It's hard to imagine his stock getting any higher.

However, an injury could hurt his draft status depending on the severity. Michael Porter Jr. dealt with back problems last year at Missouri and still hasn't made his NBA debut. Williamson's teammate, Tre Jones, separated his AC joint in Monday's game, per Gary Parrish of CBS Sports.

That may not only affect the rest of the season for the point guard, but also potentially his preparation for the NBA draft.

Pippen believes Williamson should avoid that type of risk by sitting out the rest of the year.

Considering Ohio State football star Nick Bosa is still projected to be a top pick in the NFL draft after he left school early this past fall, such a move isn't out of the question in this era.

However, Williamson may want to continue his Duke career and possibly end it with an NCAA championship before moving on to the NBA.

It's not every day someone can praise Duke star Zion Williamson and get a shot in at basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, but Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim found a way following his team's 95-91 overtime victory over the Blue Devils on Monday.

"He's like Charles Barkley was, except he can shoot," Boeheim said of the freshman, per Luke DeCock of the News & Observer. "And he's not as fat."

Williamson put up Barkley-like numbers during the loss with 35 points and 10 rebounds on 12-of-20 shooting from the field, but it wasn't enough to counter the Orange's balanced attack. Boeheim's squad featured five players in double figures, including Tyus Battle (32 points, four assists and four rebounds) and Elijah Hughes (20 points and five boards).

It was the top-ranked Blue Devils' first ACC loss and second overall loss of the season, but Williamson still has a bright future ahead of him even after competing for a national title.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected him to go No. 1 overall to the Cleveland Cavaliers in his most recent mock draft and pointed to his "eye-popping natural talent, production and efficiency."

Barkley had eye-popping production as an 11-time All-Star and the 1992-93 league MVP, so Williamson has big shoes to fill if he is going to live up to Boeheim's comparison—even if the Syracuse coach thinks the freshman's actual shoes are smaller than the NBA legend's.

Duke guard Tre Jones was forced to leave Monday's game against Syracuse after just six minutes because of a shoulder injury, and he was unable to return. After the game, head coach Mike Krzyzewski said a sprained shoulder caused a "ton of pain," per Adam Rowe of 247Sports.

The official injury is considered an AC joint separation, per CBSSports.com's Gary Parrish. His timetable for return is not yet known, but the outlook isn't positive.

"(Tre Jones) will be out for a while I think," the coach said, per Rowe.

The Blue Devils struggled without the freshman Monday, losing 95-91 in overtime for just their second loss of the season.

Jones was off to an outstanding start to the game before his injury, totaling two points, two assists and four steals in limited playing time.

While teammates Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett have gotten more publicity, the point guard has been just as vital to the team's success this year, entering Monday with 8.5 points, 5.9 assists and 1.9 steals per game. He is a catalyst on offense as well as one of the best perimeter defenders in the country.

Jay Williams of ESPN discussed the player's value while also showing his emotion coming off the court:

The most important player on Duke’s team not being on the court will make life difficult for these Blue Devils. @espn pic.twitter.com/fESU1EOxX2

— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) January 15, 2019

Even one missed game could be devastating for Duke, which is scheduled to play undefeated Virginia on Saturday. However, the team has to be concerned about an extended absence from the 5-star recruit.

Alex O'Connell will likely get more minutes while Jones is out, but Barrett has to take on more of a facilitating role leading the offense. In any case, the absence will be notable.

     

Recruit rankings and information courtesy of 247Sports.

Duke forward Zion Williamson was forced to leave Saturday's game against Florida State early after getting poked in the eye late in the first half.

Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski explained the player's symptoms after the game:

Coach K said Zion had double vision coming out of halftime. He didn’t have any headaches or concussion-like symptoms. Coach K said Williamson was almost crying after the game in happiness that the team was still able to get the win without him.

— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) January 12, 2019

Williamson did not return in the second half, but his team escaped with an 80-78 win. He had 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists in the first half before getting tangled with Florida State guard Trent Forrest. 

The freshman entered the season as one of the most hyped high school players in years thanks to his viral dunks, although he has shown he is more than just highlights.

The 5-star prospect was rated as the No. 5 overall player in the 2018 recruiting class, per 247Sports, and was a key part of Duke's No. 1 class in the country.

The McDonald's All-American has somehow exceeded expectations at the college level, entering the day averaging 20.9 points and 9.5 rebounds per game this season.

While this injury might not keep him out long, it could still take away valuable playing time from a player who is still learning how to round out his game before potentially making the leap to the NBA.

Duke has enough depth to handle even an extended absence from Williamson if needed, with RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish likely to take over the scoring load. Still, this injury could keep one of the most exciting players in college basketball off the court.

The Blue Devils have a short break before facing Syracuse at home on Monday.      

Zion Williamson has appeared in just 14 games at the collegiate level, but the Duke Blue Devils freshman is already earning high praise from a rival coach.

Ahead of Saturday's showdown between No. 1 Duke and No. 13 Florida State, Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton compared the Blue Devils star to arguably the greatest basketball player ever, Michael Jordan. Per Warchant.com, Hamilton called Williamson "the most phenomenal talent in the ACC since Michael Jordan."

It's hard to argue with Hamilton, as the 6'7", 285-pound forward has been a highlight machine for Duke thus far:

Zion is dunking everything 💪 https://t.co/ni128NbtdV

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 8, 2019

Williamson's numbers compare favorably to the North Carolina legend's:

FSU coach Leonard Hamilton on Zion: “The most phenomenal talent in the ACC since Michael Jordan." (via @Warchant)

Michael Jordan college stats:
17.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.7 SPG in 30.8 MPG

Zion Williamson so far:
20.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 2.2 SPG, 1.9 BPG in 26.3 MPG pic.twitter.com/dpcwShfSJv

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 11, 2019

Of course, Jordan made a name for himself by hitting one of the biggest shots in NCAA history. That would serve as an introduction to the basketball world before Jordan dominated the NBA as a member of the Chicago Bulls, winning five NBA MVP awards and six championships.

Hamilton wasn't saying Williamson will have a better career than Jordan, but as far as hype goes, the 5-star recruit has helped put the ACC at the center of the college basketball world.

Duke freshman sensation Zion Williamson said Tuesday that he wants to be viewed as an all-around threat rather than merely a dunker.

According to ESPN.com's David M. Hale, Williamson's comments came after a strong performance in an 87-65 win over Wake Forest:

"I kind of hate being classified as a dunker. Coach [Mike Krzyzewski] wouldn't have recruited me if I was just a dunker. But I guess people on the outside don't understand that. I can't play to impress other people. I'm playing to get better for myself and my teammates and hopefully make a run for a national championship."

Williamson enjoyed perhaps his best game of the season Tuesday with 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals and one block.

Per ESPN Stats & Info, Williamson became the second Division I player in the past 20 years to post a line with 30 points, 10 boards, five assists, four steals and 80 percent shooting from the field, joining former LSU and current Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons.

Williamson also sunk a trio of three-pointers after making just four all season entering Tuesday's game.

Krzyzewski liked what he saw out of Williamson and believes his freshman superstar can do it all, according to Hale: "I have confidence in him doing everything. If I don't, there's something wrong with me. He's a complete player."

While highlight-reel dunks will always draw fans to Williamson, he showed Tuesday that he can beat the opposition in myriad ways.

By virtue of Williamson's performance, the top-ranked Blue Devils improved to 13-1 on the season with their only loss coming to Gonzaga in November.

A bevy of talented freshmen have contributed to Duke's dominant start, but with averages of 20.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.9 blocks per game, Williamson may be the front-runner to be named the top player in college basketball this season.

The top-ranked Duke Blue Devils improved to 13-1 following an 87-65 win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Tuesday night at Lawrence Joel Coliseum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Zion Williamson led the way 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four steals, while RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish scored 21 and 10 points apiece.

Coming off a 28-point night in his team's loss to Georgia Tech, Brandon Childress shot 3-of-9 from the field en route to 12 points for Wake Forest.

      

Consistent Perimeter Game Would Make Zion Unstoppable in the NBA

On a physical level, Williamson is simply head and shoulders above the competition in the NCAA. He's a 6'7", 285-pound freight train the likes of which you don't see even in high-level college basketball.

When Williamson hits the NBA, he can't lean on his physicality quite so much. The Blue Devils freshman won't be able to bully his way to the basket—at least right away—with the same kind of regularity he enjoys now.

The concerns about Williamson's shooting aren't new. Before he arrived at Duke, some wondered whether he'd diversify his game enough to truly excel in the NBA.

Entering Tuesday, Williamson was 4-of-21 on three-pointers. He was 3-of-4 from beyond the arc against Wake Forest.

Sometimes that Zion stroke looks nice. If he gets that going, GAME OVER for everyone else

— Ball Durham (@Ball_Durham) January 9, 2019

Williamson is a tremendous rebounder and hyper-efficient scorer inside. Along with his size and athleticism, those two skills are more than enough for him to be the No. 1 player in the 2019 draft class.

I've already said this a bunch on here, but Zion Williamson's on pace to comfortably beat the NCAA Box Plus-Minus record Anthony Davis set at Kentucky... https://t.co/RMttGW2Tdt

— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) January 9, 2019

Were he to develop a long-range jumper, Williamson would have an MVP-type ceiling in the NBA.

Kawhi Leonard should be the template in that regard. Leonard isn't a dead-eye sharpshooter from beyond the arc, but he's good enough to keep opposing defenses honest.

Not to mention, Leonard's college career offered little indication he'd become a solid three-point option in the NBA. He connected on 25 percent of his attempts in two years at San Diego State.

Being able to space the floor is basically a necessity for frontcourt players in today's NBA, though some exceptions exist, most notably Giannis Antetokounmpo. Williamson could probably fit into that group, too, over time.

Duke's win on Tuesday offered a glimpse of how much better Williamson will be if he can grow into a more consistent shooter.

      

What's Next?

Duke stays on the road Saturday for a matchup with the No. 13 Florida State Seminoles. Wake Forest returns to the court Saturday to play the Miami Hurricanes.

Fans aren't the only ones salivating over what Zion Williamson can do once he reaches the next level.

The Duke freshman has gotten the attention of NBA scouts, who are already comparing him to past stars, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times:

"One league personnel man told me recently that he sees Williamson as a cross between Larry Johnson and Charles Barkley, which is obviously monstrous praise. Another personnel expert followed that up by telling me that Williamson is so strong that he sometimes makes it look as though the brutish Johnson, by comparison, didn't even like contact."

Barkley is a Hall of Famer, while Johnson is no slouch either as a two-time All-Star and 1991-92 Rookie of the Year. Being put in the same conversation as these former players shows just how much hype there is surrounding Williamson.

While the forward first got attention as a dunking star in internet videos, he has showed his impact on the court this season while averaging 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game for the top-ranked Blue Devils.

Although there were questions about his lack of height at 6'7" and his shooting stroke, he has proved he can be a star no matter what.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman listed Williamson as the No. 1 pick in his latest mock draft, noting there is a gap between him and No. 2 (currently Duke teammate RJ Barrett).        

Duke forward Zion Williamson threw down a thunderous 360-degree dunk in an 87-68 win over Clemson on Saturday:

PUT IT IN THE HOOP LIKE SLAM! 💥 pic.twitter.com/dZS6xy8T7c

— ESPN (@espn) January 6, 2019

While everyone's jaws dropped to the floor, Williamson stayed fairly unimpressed, as he gave himself "a 7 or 8" on a 10-point scale for his slam.

"We've got to see [what a 10 looks like]," Williamson said per David M. Hale of ESPN.com. "I can't tell you yet."

Perhaps a 10 is making this dunk in an actual game:

.@ZionW32. Free throw line. WOW.

(via @michaelgrange)pic.twitter.com/vzpF7BgThQ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 14, 2018

Williamson, who is the likely No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA draft, has enjoyed a dominant season in Durham. Through 13 games, he's averaging 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.9 blocks per contest. He's also remarkably efficient thanks to a 66.4 percent field-goal rate.

The 6'7", 285-pound Williamson is on a different level than his Division I peers, which has helped make the 12-1 Blue Devils the No. 1-ranked team in the country.

Duke is also the national title favorite at 9-5, per OddsShark. We'll see how Williamson performs in March, but until then, here's hoping we'll spot a 10 on his dunk scale before long.

After a successful run during the nonconference part of their schedule, the Duke Blue Devils opened ACC play with an impressive 87-68 victory over a solid Clemson Tigers team at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Saturday.

Duke's last game was on Dec. 20 against No. 11 Texas Tech. The two-week layoff didn't seem to impact head coach Mike Krzyzewski's team much.

Zion Williamson set the pace for Duke with his third straight double-double. The freshman sensation had 25 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and two steals. RJ Barrett had a difficult shooting night, finishing with 13 points by going 5-of-14. He made up for it with nine rebounds and four assists.

Clemson senior Marcquise Reed had a strong performance with 15 points and eight assists in defeat.

     

Lack of Perimeter Shooting Won't Hurt Blue Devils' Title Pursuit

For all the talent Duke has on the roster, this team fits into an old-school style of basketball that looks very different from what we are used to seeing in 2018-19.

In an era defined by three-point shooting, the Blue Devils entered Saturday tied for 256th in the nation with a 32.4 percent success rate from behind the arc. Jack White, who went 4-of-6 from three on Saturday, and Alex O'Connell are their only players hitting at least 36 percent of their attempts this season.

For most teams, this would be an Achilles' heel that would knock them out of any serious national championship conversations. In Duke's case, it's a blip on the radar for a team that is so well-rounded it doesn't need the three-point shot to win.

As an example, Molly Geary of Sports Illustrated offered these stats from Duke's 89-87 loss against Gonzaga on Nov. 21:

"The Blue Devils are so talented that an off perimeter night isn't going to cost them against most opponents—not when R.J. Barrett, Zion Williamson and Co. can get out in transition and power their way to the rim as well as they do. Gonzaga was able to win because it held Duke to 44.1% shooting inside the arc, the only time through 10 games that the Blue Devils failed to hit at least 55% of their twos ... and by limiting Duke's looks on the perimeter, where it attempted a season-low 13 threes."

Despite those numbers, Gonzaga only won by two points in a game it shot 52.3 percent overall and made 10 of 19 three-point attempts.

Duke can get away with its lack of outside shooting because how many teams in the country are capable of preventing Williamson from doing this:

It didn't take long for @ZionW32 to get @DickieV excited!!! pic.twitter.com/LWjLvdRYj8

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 6, 2019

The Blue Devils' superstar freshman executed a fast-break dunk that would have been good enough to win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in some years:

Oh my, Zion... pic.twitter.com/GRtC7ffS1m

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) January 6, 2019

Second-chance points are a significant piece of the Blue Devils' offensive output. Entering Saturday, they averaged 15.3 offensive rebounds per game, fifth in the nation.

Krzyzewski also has his team playing hard on defense. They had an off-night shooting the basketball against Texas Tech yet still won by 11 because they only gave up three points over the final six minutes of the second half.

The Blue Devils boast the perfect combination of size, speed, athleticism and depth that their one weakness barely stands out because everything else they do overwhelms their opponents.

Duke has established itself as the nation's best to this point and a deserving favorite to win the national title, even at this early stage of the 2018-19 season.

     

What's Next?

Clemson will play its second straight ACC road game Wednesday at Syracuse. Duke will go on the road to play Wake Forest at LJVM Coliseum on Tuesday.