Mike Krzyzewski says Zion Williamson in final step of 4-phase recovery plan

Presumptive NBA Draft No. 1 overall pick has not played since injuring knee on Feb. 20

3/4/2019, 9:02 PM
Mar 2, 2019; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) watches teammates warm up prior to a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Kinnan
Mar 2, 2019; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) watches teammates warm up prior to a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Kinnan

It's been 12 days since Duke star Zion Williamson burst through his left shoe and suffered a Grade 1 knee sprain against rival North Carolina. 

The presumed top pick in this year's NBA Draft and frontrunner for National Player of the Year has not played in none of the Blue Devils' three games in the interim. On Monday, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski offered an update on Williamson's condition, telling reporters on a teleconference that he is in the fourth stage of a "four-phase recovery program" 

Krzyzewski also said the team is unsure Williamson will suit up for Duke's matchup agaisnt Wake Forest on Tuesday.

Williamson is averaging 21.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, while shooting 68.3 percent from the field.  

Although the 19-year-old is approaching the end of his rehab, it's unknown whether he will return to the court in a Duke uniform even if he does reach full health. There's a chance Williamson would not want to risk part of his eventual payday -- he's already had one freak incident result in an injury. 

If Williamson decides to play but doesn't take the court against the Demon Deacons, then his final chance to play in the regular season will be Saturday at North Carolina. The ACC Tournament begins next week. 

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