Former Top Pick Brittney Griner Weighs In On Zion Being Selected Number One By Pelicans
On Thursday night, the New Orleans Pelicans made it official by selecting college Phenom Zion Williamson with the number one pick out of Duke University. During his freshman year at Duke, Williamson averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, 1.8 blocks, and shot 68% from the field on his way to winning the Wooden Award winner. The award is given to the nation’s top player every year.
“I don’t think it’s feelings I can really describe,” Williamson said. “You know, as a little kid you say you want to go to the NBA. People basically say, you’ve got to have a Plan B because the chances of doing it is just little to none. For me to be selected No. 1, I mean, I can’t dream it no better than that.”
Someone else that knows exactly the way Williamson feels is former number one pick, Brittney Griner, who was taken with the first pick by the Phoenix Mercury back in 2013 out of Baylor University. The former one pick was asked if there was any advice she would like to give Zion headed into his rookie season.
“I think I could tell him anything that he doesn’t already know. When I first saw him in college, well saw when he in high school, then in college, I already became a fan. It looks like he has a great work ethic. So, you know, honestly, that is the main thing your work ethic your first because when you get to league it is like everybody is a little bigger and little stronger, although he looks big and strong. So, I think he is going to go great. So, kick a** this year Zion.”
Williamson will be considered the centerpiece of the Pelicans franchise after they agreed to trade All-Star power forward Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and another player.
Williamson stated that he was excited about the challenge next season will bring as he partners with Ball and Ingram as they try to turn things around in New Orleans.
“What excites me the most is the fact that they’re young and they’re close to my age so they can help me a lot more, like how to deal with this transition,” Williamson said. “I think we can build something over there.”
As for Griner, the Phoenix Mercury are currently sitting in sixth place in the west with a 2-5 record after losing to the Dallas Wings on Thursday night.
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