Zion Williamson’s announcement has Columbia mayor’s attention

Many people around the Palmetto State are eagerly awaiting Zion Williamson’s college decision including Columbia mayor Steve Benjamin.

On Friday, Benjamin tweeted about Williamson’s upcoming announcement, which will take place Jan. 20 at Spartanburg Day.

“Ready to officially name January 20, 2018 “Zion Williamson Day” in @ColumbiaSC ! Gifted athlete & even finer young man #GoCocks @ZionW32,” Benjamin tweeted.

Williamson, a five-star prospect, is considering South Carolina, Clemson, Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Kentucky, among other schools. The anticipation of his announcement rivals that of when Jadeveon Clowney and Marcus Lattimore picked their colleges.

“The last time I checked, my recruitment was still wide open, but I’m still considering everybody, just listening to their final messages and what they have to tell me,” Williamson said Thursday night.

Williamson returned to action Thursday after missing six weeks with a bruised foot. He scored 31 points in the 71-62 win against Asheville Christian.

Williamson and Spartanburg Day get a national stage Saturday when the Griffins face Chino Hills (Calif.) in the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass. The game will be televised on ESPN and tip-off at 8 p.m.

This story was originally published January 12, 2018 at 5:07 PM with the headline "Zion Williamson’s announcement has Columbia mayor’s attention."