Regardless of how far Duke advances in the 2019 NCAA tournament, Zion Williamson’s short-lived career as a Blue Devil is almost over. But as the freshman forward continues to stun, the debate about his place in Duke and college basketball history is just getting started.
“He’s known by one name, and only the greats are known by one name,” said ESPN’s Jay Bilas on College GameDay on Saturday.
Williamson is an incredible athlete. He soars through the air, throws down thunderous dunks and is all around so much fun to watch. But Bilas, who’s a former Duke player, explained why he doesn’t think Williamson is the program’s greatest player of all time.
Bilas said of Zion:
“He’s unforgettable as a player. I think anybody who’s ever seen him play and seen him in the context of this year is always going to remember Zion Williamson among the top names that have played at Duke. But if you’re asking, is he the best player to ever play at Duke? I don’t think he is. I think Grant Hill is the best player to ever play at Duke. And Jay Williams would be right there with Grant Hill if he played four years and didn’t bail out early for the money.”
He was, of course, just teasing Williams, who was sitting feet away. Bilas is one of the biggest advocates for college players getting paid and against the NCAA’s absurd amateurism rules.
Bilas continued, highlighting the resume of another Duke great:
“Christian Laettner’s the most decorated and I think had accomplished the most. But for best player ever at Duke, I would go with Grant Hill. And then Zion Williamson would be in the discussion just because there’s never been anybody like him.”
Zion is averaging 22.6 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game and shooting a whopping 68.8 percent from the field. His game is so electric and explosive it’s nearly impossible to take your eyes off him.
While Seth Greenberg chimed in to say he doesn’t think it’s fair to compare the game of one-and-done players like Williamson and four-year guys like Hill, Williams seemed to agree with Bilas’ take. But he did point out how Zion has been able to separate himself from anyone else at the program and maybe college basketball in general.
Williams explained:
“I remember watching Grant growing up; people were comparing him to Michael Jordan. … He was like Michael Jordan before he got hurt. I think Grant will always be held in that regard.
“It’s gonna be interesting to me as we continue to move forward within this social media age because everything is different with Zion Williamson. And now people are asking questions: Will he get his jersey retired? Is he one of the greatest players ever to play there? He’s winning every award as a freshman. I think his footprint that he’s leaving digitally for the next generation will put him in the upper echelon because I don’t know if people so as much research about what was. They focus more on what is.”
No. 1 seed Duke will take on No. 2 seed Michigan State in the East Regional final Sunday in Washington, D.C. at 5:05 p.m. ET. The winner will advance to the Final Four next weekend in Minneapolis.
