USA Basketball will gauge Zion Williamson‘s interest in playing at the FIBA World Cup tournament in China this summer, Marc Stein of the New York Times tweets.
The Duke freshman forward has not yet been approached by USA Basketball representatives. He still has to declare for the draft and hire an agent. Talks regarding Williamson’s participation would be held closer to the draft, Stein adds.
USA Basketball will send a 12-man team to the event, which will take place from August 31 to September 15.
Williamson’s college career likely ended with the Blue Devils’ one-point loss to Michigan State in the Elite Eight on Sunday. He is considered a lock to be drafted No. 1 overall.
It wouldn’t be unprecedented for a star talent to be added to USA Basketball’s roster before playing an NBA game, Stein notes in another tweet. Anthony Davis was handed a roster spot on the 2012 Olympic team for the London Games after Blake Griffin suffered a left knee injury.
In 33 games with Duke this season, Williamson averaged 22.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.8 BPG and 2.1 SPG in 30 MPG. He had 24 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks and three steals against the Spartans.
This guy Zion hustles on some plays, is brilliant on others, but this cat is still only 18.
I think he needs seasoning, but I doubt he is staying at Duke one more year
I think it’s silly to rush to the NBA
The NBA is for adults, there are no baby sitters, no one really provides much of any true guidance.
You are always on the road. Where is the rush?!?
SMH
Either duke pays him or he’s foolish to foolish to stay. And then so is your comment.
I think it would be cool for him to play for Team USA. It gives fans a chance to see him play more and it would mean a lot more to him then a veteran who feels like hes playing for free. Plus with Lebron not playing it gives news outlets an easy storyline to obsess over during the tournament.
How much they gonna pay him?