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Zion Williamson had the spirit this week with Countdown to Craziness, his introductory dance and his first night in front of a Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Yes, his name has passed into college basketball circles for another reason after being mentioned during a tapping telephone conversation that surfaced during a corruption lawsuit in New York.
But Williamson, age 18, a first-year Duke phenomenon, said he did not have to worry about the situation.
"Honestly, I did not pay attention," Williamson said. "I was just happy that it was countdown week because I've been very excited since my visit last year. The countdown was all I thought.
Williamson, a forward athlete, scored 14 points as he played every 20 minutes of the Blue-White scrum. He threw four impressive dunks of the same type, which drew millions of viewers to his blockbuster movies on YouTube.
Williamson's name was the subject of controversy on Tuesday when two former Adidas employees and an agent rider were accused of arranging payments for future high school students in order to send them to some colleges.
A phone conversation between Merl Code, one of the defendants, and Kansas assistant coach, Kurtis Townsend, described a Williamson relative asking for money and housing to play him in Kansas. .
Williamson decided to play Duke instead. In the words of Sports Director Kevin White and the coaching measures to allow Williamson to continue playing, the school has expressed confidence.
"We have done exhaustive things with the NCAA this summer," said Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. "They now have an eligibility center and a comprehensive process where these kids and their parents go through all sorts of things. We feel very comfortable not only with him, but with all our freshmen. We feel very comfortable with that. "
To this end, when the advertiser spoke to the player's parents during a break in the fray, Williamson's parents were included. They smiled and beckoned when they are shown on the video card and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Williamson, as Krzyzewski mentioned, is not the only top-of-the-line player that Duke is counting on this season.
R.J. Barrett, Cameron Reddish and Tre Jones are expected to join him in Duke's starting lineup.
Here are some other observations from the blue-white melee Countdown to Craziness:
Reddish wound
Krzyzewski revealed during his press conference after the fray that Reddish had had a broken rib at training on Tuesday. He returned to training on Thursday and wears a stamp under his shirt.
He played 17 of the 20 minutes of the scrum, scoring 13 points on 5 of 12 shots. He made 2 of 6 3 points.
"I sat down with the coaches, I stretched it out and I thought I could play a little bit," said Reddish. "I went as well as I could. Towards the end, it became a little difficult to move. I'm just trying to get through right now. "
Reddish said the injury affected his shot "a bit. This is not where I should do it. I just do not have the range yet. But it should be for next week.
Duke has exhibition games Tuesday at 7pm. against Virginia Union and 16h on October 27 against Ferris State.
Barrett scores in clusters
Barrett teamed with Reddish in the blue team and they were the only two-digit scorers in this group.
Barrett scored 23 points in 20 minutes, hitting 9 shots out of 19, including 2 out of 6 to 3 shots. He also had two assists, two rebounds and one robbery.
"He had to do a bit more because of his team," Krzyzewski said. "Cam did a good job but he is not where he would be. Cam turned off the lights. But RJ is a winner and he will find ways to win. He is this player without position. "
DeLaurier gets in shape
Junior Javin DeLaurier is the best candidate to join the new players in the starting lineup when Duke will play his two exhibition games next week.
The 6-10 year old junior was part of the white team with Williamson and Tre Jones on Friday night. DeLaurier scored 10 points, making four of six shots (including two of four to three points).
He missed two weeks of practice earlier this month due to a foot stress reaction. But he returned to practice last Monday and said Friday night that he felt no discomfort.
"It's great," said DeLaurier. "I feel good and I'm ready for the start of the season."
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