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There wasn’t any question that Duke University had landed a superstar in the making in freshman Zion Williamson. The 6-foot-7, 285-pound forward sports a muscular physique, outstanding skills and coachability.

All of that was on display on Tuesday night as the No. 1 Blue Devils sailed past Wake Forest 87-65.

Williamson scored a career-high 30 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and added five steals, four assists and a blocked shot. He contributed a few of those spectacular dunks he’s become known for, but also nailed three 3-point shots.

It doesn’t get much better than this for the player likely to be the first pick in the NBA draft. But it probably will.

Williamson says he doesn’t want to be known strictly for the flashy dunks, so he’s working on his game away from the basket. It shows.
“I think my confidence from 3 is getting a lot better,” he says.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski describes Williamson as a complete player, and the numbers bear that out.

ESPN’s report on the game included this nugget: According to ESPN Stats & Info, Williamson is the only Division I player in the past 20 years to post a line with 30 points, 10 boards, 5 assists, 4 steals and 80 percent shooting from the field. Ben Simmons, who went on to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, is the only other Division I freshman to post a 30-10-5-4 line.

You love Duke? See you in the Final Four. You hate Duke? You’re going to be able to hate the Blue Devils right into April.

 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman