NBA star Zion Williamson has declared that the NBL is the ‘second best league in the world’ ahead of this weekend’s historic series.
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The NBL is set to make history tonight with an NBA team playing on Australian soil for the first time as they take on Melbourne United and the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
Williamson expressed his opinion on the Australian league ahead of tonight’s match.
“I have no problem saying the NBL is the second best league in the world,” he said during this week’s media day.
Williamson is familiar with the talent Australia produces, praising his former teammates.
“Two teammates pop up when I think of [basketball in] Australia, my college teammate [at Duke] Jack White and my former [New Orleans] teammate, who is now with the Atlanta Hawks, Dyson Daniels,” the two-time NBA All Star said.
“Both guys are dogs, competitors and when I had conversations with them both about the culture of basketball in this country, [they said] it was similar to the United States, as the game is becoming more global.
“I’m just excited. I am excited to learn the culture on-and-off the court in Australia. It’s just a blessing to be here.”
This will be the first time Williamson showcases his new physique in a competitive match, which will have the entire world watching with the game being live on the NBA App for fans overseas.
Milton Doyle of United, Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Jordan Hunter of the Phoenix. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The former No.1 overall draft pick, who declared he is in the best shape since his college days at Duke, has stated he is ready for what both NBL teams can do on the big stage.
“I’ve watched film on a lot of these guys, and both teams are competitors,” Williamson said.
“I know we’re having a good time joking up here, but I know once we step on the court both teams are going to try to go at each other and try to make something happen.”
“So if I’m going up the middle of the lane, I don’t expect nobody to move out the way.”
There is currently no information on how much court time Williamson will see during the weekend event, but the 25-year-old superstar is eager to showcase his talents to the fans.
“Basketball has brought the Pelicans to Australia and we’re looking to go out there and compete, and just have a great time,” Williamson said.
“As far as what I’m going to do, if I can get a fast break I might have fun with it … or I might just lay it in, we don’t know.”
Zion Williamson is ready to go. Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia
When asked about former teammate Dyson Daniels’ younger brother Dash, Williamson had nothing but praise for the 17-year-old.
“From the film I saw on him, they’re very similar, especially defensively,” Williamson said.
“Some of the deflections he’s able to get when he’s defending is simply incredible. Stuff that like I used to tell Dyson I’m going to try to take some of that from his game and add it into mine.”
The New Orleans Pelicans will take on Melbourne United on Friday at 7.30pm AEST and the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday at 2pm AEDT.