OAKLAND – Zion Williamson highlights have taken the sports world by the throat since the freshman started playing basketball at Duke University this fall.
Usually Williamson fills up the tape with monster dunks and blocks, but Wednesday he made headlines for tearing through his shoe while making a cut and spraining his knee in the process.
He would not return to the game after the injury.
Here’s the knee injury that ended Zion Williamson’s night…. pic.twitter.com/2gkKTq7gTl
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2019
Thursday morning DeMarcus Cousins was asked about Williamson’s injury. Cousins was once a highly-touted prospect himself, and offered his perspective on the situation.
“Knowing what I know now, college is bullsh–. College basketball, the NCAA is bullsh–,” Cousins said. “So my advice to him is do what’s best for you and your family, and obviously college isn’t (it). It does nothing for you at this point. You’ve proven you’re the number one pick coming out, you’ve proven your talent, get ready for the next level. Because it’s happening.”
Cousins played one year at Kentucky, averaging 15 points and nearly 10 rebounds for the Wildcats. The team reached the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament that year. Soon after Cousins declared for the NBA draft, and was selected by Sacramento with the fifth pick.
Cousins said he loved his time in Kentucky, but college basketball as a whole is “crooked.” He pointed out the ticket prices at Wednesday’s matchup between Duke and North Carolina to support his argument.
“I think the highest ticket was $2,500, $3,500?” Cousins said. “How much does Zion Williamson see? That’s who they’re coming to see. So how much of that does he get? Actually who does that go to? How does it benefit any player on that team?
How does it benefit any player on that team? But if they were to get $20 and a free meal they’re this bad kid. They get a bad rep. Uncoachable. Thugs. Whatever the case may be. So it’s bullsh–. It’s been bullsh–.”
Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski said that Williamson suffered a mild knee strain and they’ll be approaching the injury with caution. There is no current timetable for his return.
