Zion Williamson scouting report: Strengths, weaknesses and predictions
A scouting report on Zion Williamson, who will announce his college decision on Saturday:
Basics
Height/Weight: 6-foot-6, 275 pounds
Position: Combo forward
School: Spartanburg Day School
College finalists: Clemson, South Carolina, Duke, North Carolina and Kentucky
Recruiting ranking: No. 3 player in the country, according to the 247Sports composite rankings
Key stats: 37.0 points and 16.5 rebounds per game as a senior
Compared to: Julius Randle, Anthony Bennett, Shabazz Muhammad and Miles Bridges
Pros
Physical, great leaper and great attitude
Spartanburg Day coach Lee Sartor:
“He’s always been the best player on the court whether he’s been in the top 100 camp or USA Basketball Camp. I think he’s the best player in the country. I’m looking for him to be amazing in college because he’ll be able to play with some people up to his level, and I think the world will be able to see just how good and how gifted he is.
“I always say every player starts somewhere. Even LeBron had to start somewhere. But even at a young age, Zion’s basketball IQ was amazing. He wasn’t physically like he is now, but he was a great player, an unselfish player.”
Cons
Hasn’t always played against top-level competition, might have weight to lose and hasn’t shown ability to shoot from outside
Sartor says:
“Well, you’re going to have people who are going to admire what you do, and you’re going to have critics. That’s the way it is. That’s the way the world turns. The thing I tell people to that is, ‘Until you see him play, until you actually play against him, you really don’t know how good he is.’ ”
The Picks
Eric Bossi, Rivals recruiting analyst:
“Zion and his family haven’t said a lot, but from talking to sources around the industry, in coaching and in grassroots basketball, the feel is that distance from home and ability to have a primary role early on are huge factors and that Clemson best fits those requirements. So, I’ll say Clemson, but it’s not the most confident prediction that I’ve ever met.”
Corey Evans, Rivals recruiting analyst:
“Zion has never been a follower. He has always done things his way and has deep pride for his state and where he is from. Sure, he loves the idea playing for a blue blood, but I think he has always wanted to be his own man and create something special on his own terms. Seeing that Clemson is nearby and his step-father played there does not hurt the cause. The Tigers are enjoying their best year in a decade so it’s not like he is walking into a cupboard bare of talent. It’s a meeting of perfect circumstances for Brad Brownell. Zion goes to Clemson.”
How to watch
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Spartanburg Day School
TV: ESPN
Fans: The public is invited to attend.
This story was originally published January 18, 2018 at 2:26 PM with the headline "Zion Williamson scouting report: Strengths, weaknesses and predictions."