The basketball world has been entranced with Zion Williamson since he hit the national scene in high school. His highlight reel play has only gotten better since entering Duke. The fever pitch was reaching its height leading into the first game against North Carolina at Duke. The game would start with disappointment when Zion stepped and ripped through his shoe and hurting his knee. He would not return to the game.
Duke would not recover well from the loss of their star player. R.J Barrett and Cam Reddish would pour in all they could, but North Carolina would win 88-72. Following the game, the forward was diagnosed with a mild knee sprain and an unknown timetable for return.
Prayers up for Zion Williamson….hope he’s okay after this one ? pic.twitter.com/mQQ8yNIs2Q
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) February 21, 2019
The next day Williamson was diagnosed with a grade one right knee sprain and is listed as day to day. Williamson, a potential first overall pick would receive outpouring support from fans and NBA players alike. It would also start a debate about his future with Duke and the NCAA not compensating their athletes.
Again let’s remember all the money that went into this game…. and these players get none of it…. and now Zion gets hurt… something has to change @NCAA
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) February 21, 2019
Duke looked panicked and unable to keep up with North Carolina with the departure of Zion Williamson from the game. The team could have been shocked by the sudden departure, but the play was concerning. The Blue Devils will take on Syracuse this Saturday and will hope for a better outcome.
NEWS: Zion Williamson was diagnosed with a Grade 1 right knee sprain. He is progressing as expected, and his status is day-to-day. pic.twitter.com/H8YUZGnOyc
— Duke Basketball (@DukeMBB) February 21, 2019
Nike has also come under fire for their shoes literally coming apart during the game. The athletic company has also seen a drop in its stock after the game. The company is currently investigating what could have caused the shoe to explode as it did.
The freshman highlight reel has not yet indicated if he plans to play when healthy or list to advise and shut it down for the season.
