| Full Name | Age | Birthday | Height | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Lateef Williamson | 23 | July 6, 2000 | 6‘6" | $27.3 million |
As a longtime fan and devoted follower of Zion Williamson‘s budding career, it has been incredible watching him blossom into one of the NBA‘s brightest young stars. Ever since his high school mixtapes went viral thanks to his thunderous dunks and superhuman athleticism, Zion has captured the imagination of basketball fans worldwide. Now with the New Orleans Pelicans, his legend continues to grow.
Dominating the High School Ranks
Hailing from Spartanburg, South Carolina, Zion exploded onto the national recruiting radar during his sophomore season at Spartanburg Day School. He led his team to three straight SCISA 2A state championships, averaging an eye-popping 36.8 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game as a senior.
Towering over opponents at 6’7” and 285 pounds in high school, Zion possessed a rare combination of speed, quickness, power, and verticality. His rim-rattling slams and highlight reel blocks turned him into a viral video sensation. After winning South Carolina Mr. Basketball twice, Zion was ranked the #2 recruit nationally in 2018 behind RJ Barrett.
Taking the NCAA by Storm
As part of one of the most heralded recruiting classes ever assembled at Duke, Zion exceeded even the highest expectations during his one NCAA season. He delivered an electrifying performance nearly every time he took the floor, averaging 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game.
Zion‘s unmatched explosiveness and physicality made him nearly impossible to contain. His free throw line dunks and phantasmal blocks became almost routine. Zion swept National Player of the Year honors while leading Duke to an ACC title and NCAA Elite 8 appearance. Simply put, he delivered one of the most dazzling and dominant freshman seasons ever.
Selected #1 Overall by New Orleans
After lighting college basketball on fire, Zion was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the #1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. It was a dream scenario for the Pelicans franchise, who had just traded away their last transcendent, once-in-a-generation talent in Anthony Davis.
Zion arrived in New Orleans to incredible fanfare and expectations. His jersey became the highest selling among all NBA players in just one week. His otherworldly exploits at Duke had turned him into perhaps the most hyped rookie since LeBron James.
Debut Season Cut Short by Injury
Pelicans fans eagerly counted down the days until Zion‘s NBA debut after a dominant showing in preseason. But a torn meniscus in his right knee sidelined him for the first 44 games of his rookie year.
When Zion finally stepped on the court on January 22, 2020, he immediately proved he was worth the wait. In just 18 minutes, he scored 22 points on 71% shooting with electrifying dunks and blocked shots. During an abbreviated 24 game span, Zion averaged 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting nearly 59% from the field.
Though his season was cut short, Zion showed more than enough to capture Rookie of the Year consideration and pave the way for future stardom.
Why Zion is a Global Phenomenon
So what is it about Zion that has captured the imaginations of fans worldwide? There are many extraordinary qualities that set him apart:
- Uncanny athleticism – Zion‘s explosiveness, coordination and vertical leap for a player his size are unprecedented. His highlight reel plays regularly defy physics.
- Ultra quickness – At 6‘6" 284 lbs, Zion possesses point guard-like speed and agility. He can outrun defenders or change direction on a dime.
- Warrior mentality – Zion is an incredibly hard worker dedicated to maximizing his full potential. He plays with unbridled passion and determination.
- Handles and court vision – Despite his big frame, Zion has solid ball handling skills and passing instincts. He is more than just a dunker.
- Likable personality – The joy Zion exudes playing basketball is infectious. His million dollar smile has made him a fan favorite worldwide.
Still just 21 years old, Zion appears poised for NBA superstardom. With continued good health and development, his ceiling seems almost limitless. As a longtime fan, I cannot wait to see what Zion accomplishes next on his path to becoming an NBA legend.