Leonard Hamilton praises Zion Williamson: 'Most phenomenal talent in the ACC since Michael Jordan'
Hamilton thinks Williamson is one of the most talented players ever to come through the ACC
The hype Zion Williamson has generated in 14 games of action with his rim-rocking dunks, jaw-dropping blocks and feats of athleticism has media and fans alike buzzing about his NBA potential.
Now it has an ACC coach doing the same.
Ahead of No. 1 Duke's road game Saturday against No. 13 Florida State, Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton went as far as to say that Williamson's talent reminds him of another ACC great in Michael Jordan, who many consider to be the greatest basketball player of all time.
Leonard Hamilton calls Duke's Zion Williamson "the most phenomenal talent in the ACC since Michael Jordan" pic.twitter.com/3P3s68lXsv
— Warchant.com (@Warchant) January 11, 2019
As far as talent and athleticism, Hamilton's point is hard to argue. We've never seen a player quite like Williamson, who can smack a shot into the second row on one end and then throw down a 360 dunk on the other.
The stats mostly agree, too, though it's worth noting that basketball has changed significantly since Jordan was in Chapel Hill. Jordan averaged 17.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks per game over his three-season Tar Heels tenure, while Williamson, over the course of 14 games, is averaging 20.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game.
Hamilton's point may be true from a talent perspective, but let's pump the brakes even mentioning the two in the same sentence. Jordan is a Hall of Fame talent who was a 14-time NBA All-Star, six-time NBA champion and five-time NBA MVP. He was great in college, sure, but he sustained his greatness -- and even took it up a notch -- over his successful 15 pro seasons. Meanwhile, Williamson is living in college quarters and is ineligible, for now, to earn money off his own likeness.
















