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Zion Williamson Update

Put the rest of it aside. Duke’s freshman phenom is itching to play.

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NCAA Basketball: Duke at Syracuse
Feb 23, 2019; Syracuse, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson (left) and his team mates react to making a basket in the second half against the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

There was no word after the Syracuse game about when Zion OMG Williamson might return to Duke’s lineup. There was a sense of optimism however.

Coach K has used that specific word and ESPN’s Myron Medcalf says Williamson told Coach K he is “anxious” to get back.

The message is pretty much the same from everyone. He needs to get healthy before he comes back but they’ll press on without him until he does, and they feel they’re good enough to win without him.

Gary Parrish linked to this tweet quoting RJ Barrett, which is what we expected: “If he didn’t want to risk it, he wouldn’t have come to Duke. He’s a basketball player. He loves the game. He loves Duke -- and he loves playing with his brothers.”

The silver lining, so far, is O’ Connell. He played extremely well and addressed Duke’s glaring weakness, outside shooting. If he can maintain that, it could be huge for Duke going forward.

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