| OVERVIEW |
| One of the top recruits in Mike Krzyzewski's career, Williamson pairs off-the-charts athleticism with a veteran's approach to the game, inspiring assertions he could hit the NBA as a readymade All-Star. |
| Comparisons range from an above-the-rim version of Carlos Boozer to a super-springy Julius Randle and less-polished Charles Barkley, Williamson's strengths are as plentiful as his potential. |
| Williamson swept college basketball player of the year honors in a stellar freshman season with the Blue Devils in which he garnered national attention for making miraculous individual plays look routine. Williamson dominated with natural talent and evolved as a post player on either end of the court, but is at his best flying in the open court. |
| He averaged shot 68 percent from the field and averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds in 33 games during his lone season at Duke. He made 33.8 percent of his 3-point attempts and excelled defensively with 70 steals and 59 blocked shots. |
| He missed five games with a sprained knee when his Nike shoe blew out against North Carolina. |
| Williamson will be drafted days after his 19th birthday on the heels of a spotlight season at Duke. He has been the presumed No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft for nearly two years based on a unique package of power, explosiveness and upside. |
| ANALYSIS |
| With a standing reach of 8 feet, 7 inches and nearly 7-foot wingspan, Williamson was a dominant defensive player at the college level. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo said Williamson's anticipation will make him a top off-ball defender in the NBA, capable of ranking among leaders in blocks and steals. Krzyzewski described Williamson as a "great worker," and LeBron James said he can change the outcome of every possession when determined to do so. |
| A highlight reel dunker because of a gravity-defying vertical leap, Williamson can reach his entire arm above the rim leaping off of two feet. |
| NBA teams will find a spot for Williamson, who is an NBA anomaly in that he isn't a natural fit at any position but features a skill set to play almost anywhere on the floor. Minus the perimeter offensive skills - his 3-point range was respected at the college level - Williamson projects as a 3 or 4 in the NBA. His above-the-rim game is built around efficient scoring, touch and the broad frame and power to protect the ball from longer defenders and finish with authority. |
| Projection: No. 1 overall pick |
| --Field Level Media |
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