Preview of Duke vs Kentucky: update of Zion Williamson, November 6, 2018

Duke's co-captains Javin DeLaurier and Jack White spent part of the day on Friday in the media discussing two topics: the opening of the Blue Devils basketball season against Kentucky and basketball madness. Rookie Zion Williamson's ball.

The discussion in Kentucky was the standard work: new team, exciting time, big stage, big opponent, Duke against Kentucky again … the usual. It's the Champions Classic in Indianapolis, with an hour 9:30 pm. Tipoff Tuesday after the Kansas-Michigan State match.

"This is the first time the country has looked at us," said DeLaurier.

There is a lot to watch for the Blue Devils, ranked fourth. RJ Barrett, the ultra-versatile 6-7 striker who has been named to the AP Preseason All-America team. Cam Reddish, back Tre Jones and forward Joey Baker, 6-7. All first year students.

And this Williamson man.

"I have never seen anyone like Zion," said DeLaurier. "I think one of our sports coaches said the best. He told everyone that you played the genetic lottery, but that Zion did it twice.

"I think it's a very good way to describe it. When you look at it, it measures 6 or 7 pounds and weighs 270 pounds. He is all muscle and can fly in the air. It's a little different from anything we've ever seen. He is incredible."

So, how to keep it? DeLaurier laughed.

"You know, it's tough, really a challenge," said the junior 6-10, 234 pounds. "And I do not want to give too much in case people start watching us. I will keep these tips for myself. "

No white, however.

"This guy is a unique and incredible athlete," said White, an Australian junior of 6 to 7 pounds and 222 pounds. "I know he likes his left hand and I know it's more efficient to get to the rack than pulling a 3 or pulling up. I will live with long played 2s or hand in the face if he shoots a 3, and if he tries to go to the block, try to keep it in his right hand and try to lure him into a help (defensive) . And if he comes back to his left, we'll probably have someone who looks like a fat guy, just a bit of a body and try to make it a short contested shot.

"By saying that, sometimes you do everything right and he'll just jump on you. He is just an amazing talent. He has just turned 18 years old. To do that at this age, with this body control … He has that kind of motion LeBron (James), this jumping and dipping ability. "

Williamson dominated all three Blue Devils exhibition games on the Canadian tour in August, averaging 29.7 points and 11.3 rebounds, scoring 36 points against McGill.

Williamson totaled 29 points against Virginia Union in an exhibition match on Oct. 23 and another double doubled with 23 points and 10 rebounds while the Blue Devils, No. 4, hit Ferris State 132-48 there a week ago at their last show at Cameron Indoor Stadium. . Barrett had 32 points and Cam Reddish 20 against Ferris State while rookie Tre Jones had 10 assists, eight points and nine rebounds.

"Zion, when he was little, and I know it's hard to believe him, he was a leader," said Duke's coach, Mike Krzyzewski, at the end Match. "He really understands the game and he has a good grip. Putting the ball in his hands is a good thing to do. "

Regarding the match against No. 2 Kentucky, White said the most important thing for Duke would be to make the big defensive stops, especially those leading to points in transition.

"With our size, length and athleticism, we can really cause a lot of problems for the teams," said White.

ESPN has reunited Duke and Kentucky this season, always good for the rankings and a great match. No warm-up of Elon and the Utah Valley for the Blue Devils this year.

"It's a good challenge for guys," said White. "The freshmen have already been on this stage in their high school career. Many of our team members are just players. They like this environment. They like to go on the big stage. "

And win or lose, just a match.

"It's a good way of knowing where we are," said DeLaurier. "At the same time, you do not win a championship in November."

No. 4 Duke against No. 2 Kentucky

When: 21h30 Tuesday

What: Champions Classic at Indianapolis

TV: ESPN