Zion Williamson nearly chose to wear No. 12 with the Pelicans

The No. 1 overall pick nearly had a new look for his rookie season with the Pelicans.

No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson almost had a different look this year with the New Orleans Pelicans than what the basketball world saw during his one season playing at Duke University.

Of course, his high-flying dunks and brute strength were both bound to follow him into the NBA but, as he revealed in a recent interview, he almost chose to wear a different jersey number.

Williamson wore No. 1 during his lone season last year at Duke and continued that tradition with the Pelicans. However, Williamson nearly went back to high school roots this year.

“I thought about going back to my high school number of 12, but No. 1 is No. 1,” Williamson told Jim Eichenhofer of Pelicans.com. “I’m trying to be the best. I felt like it’s fitting for me.”

(Photo by Jeff Blake/USA TODAY Sports)

Williamson and his No. 1 jersey became one of the best-selling uniforms after making his official debut on Jan. 22 against the San Antonio Spurs, instantly jumping inside the top 10 in sales.

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