Duke Basketball: 10 best players ever from the Mike Krzyzewski era

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 06: Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski of the Duke Blue Devils cuts down the net after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 6, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Duke defeated Wisconsin 68-63. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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Duke Basketball Mike Krzyzewski Zion Williamson (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

9. Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson was probably one of the best college basketball players in recent history.

Although Zion was known for breaking many records in program history in his lone season at Duke, he got national attention from many companies and scouts.

During the regular season, Zion claimed five ACC Freshman of the Week accolades and two ACC Player of the Week awards.

He would end the season suffering a Grade 1 knee strain. Williamson’s foot would rip through a Nike shoe in a game against North Carolina. The injury led to a decrease in the value of Nike’s stock by $1.1 billion. The injury also led Williamson to stop playing college basketball because he already established himself as the top 2019 prospect.

Following the season, he earned Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors in the ACC. He also became the 10th Duke player to win the ACC Athlete of the Year.

He returned from the injury against Syracuse. He posted 29 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 steals. He also shot 13-of-13 from the field which advanced Duke to the ACC Tournament semifinals. He went on to help the Blue Devils defeated North Carolina and then Florida State in the ACC Tournament Championship Game. Zion was named the ACC Tournament MVP.

In his NCAA tournament debut, Zion posted 25 points in a win over 16-seeded North Dakota State. He erupted for 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists against UCF. Williamson led Duke with 24 points and 14 rebounds in a season-ending loss to Michigan State.

Following the tournament exit, Williamson prepared for the 2019 NBA Draft. He would become the fourth Duke Blue Devil selected first overall in the NBA Draft. Zion would end up being drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans.

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