The 2020-21 NCAA basketball season has seen some quality performances so far. The experienced players continue to dominate, but standing out among them is freshman Ziaire Williams. The 19-year-old had a brilliant debut which left LeBron James in awe, and the Lakers star later praised Williams on Twitter.
That boy Z Will can flat out hoop! Good start tonight nephew @therealZiaire! Beautiful display of ball
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 1, 2020
Williams played alongside James’ son Bronny for Sierra Canyon last season. That’s when LeBron first noticed the upcoming star. Now that Williams is performing despite being on a bigger platform, he has impressed LeBron.
Making his debut for the Stanford Cardinal, Williams scored 19 points while shooting 3/5 from three. He also showed out on defense as he got one steal and eight rebounds. He is the only freshman to start and get significant minutes on the Cardinal. Despite being on a team dominated by older players, Williams held his own and is living up to all the hype.
ALSO READ – Five-Star Recruit Ziaire Williams Explains His Decision To Join Stanford Cardinals
Can Ziaire continue to impress following LeBron James’ praise?
Despite having offers from better teams, Ziaire chose Stanford. Duke, USC, and UCLA were among the teams chasing him, but the number 5 ranked recruit chose to go to Stanford, becoming their highest-ranked recruit.
After his impressive performance, the 6’8 forward reportedly dazzled the opposition coach, Alabama’s Nate Oats, as well.
Williams showed out on the offense as he took shots from everywhere. Pulling up from mid-range and attempting a deep three, the Crimson Tide defenders had a tough time stopping him. Williams also had three assists, which was a reminder of another skill he possessed in his arsenal: playmaking.
Stanford Prospect Ziaire Williams ( @therealZiaire ) has big game ? off the dribble, Mid range , and from 3.. 19 points 9 rebounds in his debut game as a freshman. pic.twitter.com/aJa2Z4rltt
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) December 1, 2020
Stanford will be banking on him as they attempt to make the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2014. They will be expected to finish middle of the pack in the Pac-12 Conference, but Williams and Co will be hoping to pull off some upsets.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see what his role on the team will be. Early projections have already labeled Williams as a lottery pick, but it is too soon to tell how he will play this season and when he will declare.