Zion Williamson officially declares for NBA draft

Duke star projected to be No. 1 pick

4/15/2019, 9:55 PM
Feb 16, 2019; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils won 94-78. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Kinnan
Feb 16, 2019; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils won 94-78. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Kinnan

Duke star Zion Williamson has officially declared for the NBA draft.

The AP National Player of the Year and men's Wooden Award winner, who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in June, made the announcement Monday night on Instagram.

Williamson, a 6-foot-7, 285-pound forward, averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds as a freshman for the Blue Devils, who lost in the Elite Eight to Michigan State in the NCAA tournament.

The 18-year-old Williamson, who lit up the college basketball world with explosive dunks, highlight-reel blocks and impressive stat lines, has said he "would love" to play for the Knicks if they draft him.

"Whatever NBA team I land on, that's where I want to be," he said earlier this month.

The Knicks finished the season with a 17-65 record, worst in the NBA, and have a 14 percent chance at landing the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery next month. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns also have a 14 percent chance.

No matter what, the Knicks are assured of landing a top-five pick. 

When the lottery takes place on May 14, former No. 1 pick Patrick Ewing will represent the Knicks, hoping they land the No. 1 pick again and win the Williamson sweeptstakes.

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