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The sensation of Duke Zion Williamson has added another honor to his freshman season since he was named the Naismith Player of the Year for men.
Williamson is the eighth player Blue Devils and the third freshman – with Anthony Davis of Kentucky and Kevin Durant of Texas – to receive the award.
"It's truly an honor to receive this award and to be a member of this prestigious list of former Blue Devils who also won the award," said Williamson in a statement. "There were so many great players who could have won this award this year, I can not thank enough my teammates, my coaches and my family for helping me." team and it's an honor for me to accept it on behalf of my brothers. "
Duke is investigating allegations by lawyer Michael Avenatti that Nike would have paid Zion Williamson's mother for counseling while his son was a high-school rookie, according to sports director Kevin White.
Tennessee coach Rick Barnes was named Naismith coach of the year, beating Chris Beard of Texas Tech, Tony Bennett of Virginia and Kelvin Sampson of Houston.
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Rui Hachimura (Gonzaga), Grant Williams (Tennessee) and Ja Morant (Murray State) were also finalists.
On Friday, Williamson was named player of the year by Associated Press and the US Basketball Writers Association. He has also been recognized as an ACC Year Player and Rookie of the Year.
Williamson, 18, had an average of 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, while ranking second in the nation with a 68% shot. He also ranked among the ACC leaders for flights (2,12) and blocks (1,79).
Duke was eliminated in the Elite Eight by Michigan State and Williamson, the potential NBA-ranked candidate ranked first by ESPN.com, is expected to become professional.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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