LOOK: Zion Williamson shows up at NBA Summer League with Coach K tribute outfit
Former Duke star Zion Williamson showed love for his former coach, the legendary Coach K, with a special outfit at the NBA Summer League. Williamson appeared at Summer League to support his New Orleans Pelicans teammates while wearing a shirt honoring Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski, his coach during his single year at Duke in the 2018-19 season.
Zion Williamson wears Coach K shirt to Summer League
One of the biggest names to come out of Duke hasn’t forgotten his coach and alma mater, as Williamson showed up to Las Vegas showing off his shirt with Coach K on the front. The former number one draft pick recently signed a major contract extension with the Pelicans despite injury concerns, and fans from Duke and the rest of the NBA are excited to see him return to the court.
Williamson missed the entirety of last season with a broken right foot, an injury that saw him miss the Pelicans’ inspired playoff push. With the team on the fringe of playoff contention, the Pelicans believe Williamson is a piece they need as they offered him a max rookie extension this offseason — five years worth $231 million.
While he’s only been able to play in 85 games since being drafted first overall, Williamson has shown the talent that was evident at Duke. He’s averaged 25.7 points per game and shot 60.4 percent from the field through his NBA career so far. At Duke as a freshman, he averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game and won the Naismith Award.
Williamson showed the heart he plays the game with while speaking with media present at his extension signing, explaining how emotional he was and making a promise to New Orleans.
“On my birthday last year is when I found out that I broke my foot. I was out the whole year. It was a tough year,” said Williamson. “Then, for the Pelicans to come give me this birthday gift? I’m not going to let them down.
“I’m not gonna let the city down. I’m not gonna let my family down. Most of all, I’m not gonna let myself down.”