Given what we know now, it’s difficult to imagine how Zion Williamson wasn’t the consensus No. 1 pick when he first arrived on campus at Duke.
In fact, he wasn’t even the top-rated freshman on Duke’s roster, according to 247 Sports. He trailed R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish in those rankings.
The rationale behind those rankings — despite Zion’s undeniable size and athleticism — was that he played high school basketball against a bunch of low-level talent in Class AA of the South Carolina Independent School Association. And that was true! Spartanburg Day played against mostly other small private schools in South Carolina.
So, his outrageous highlights were against kids who looked like this:
The only person that can guard Zion pic.twitter.com/FYNYWv7MlL
— kyle/Free agent nba fan (@knicks_tape99) February 26, 2021
Well, as Williamson has proved more than capable against the best competition in the world, that old clip has made rounds on NBA Twitter. And it was only a matter of time before Williamson himself was asked about it.
Sneak peak ahead of tomorrow @jj_redick @Zionwilliamson @talter pic.twitter.com/RmMs1pkQzK
— TheOldMan&TheThree (@OldManAndThree) March 2, 2021
In an appearance on The Old Man and the Three podcast with J.J. Redick and Tommy Alter, Williamson broke down that viral clip and added that he knew exactly who that kid was: Bryson Bishop.
While that clip was and continues to be hilarious, Zion did say that he has a lot of respect for Bishop for trying to check him on that epic mismatch. He ended up fouling Zion and preventing the easy bucket.
And Bishop has developed into a solid basketball player himself. He recently announced his commitment to Division I Charleston Southern.
All glory to God who has blessed me with the opportunity to pursue my dreams of playing basketball at the next level. I’m happy to say I’m committed to Charleston Southern University. #GoBucs @CoachRadebaugh @CoachTButters pic.twitter.com/l8tPdJ87EB
— Bryson Bishop (@B_P_B_2) February 16, 2021
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