New York Knicks: Top 10 2019 NBA Draft prospects in NCAA Tournament

1. Zion Williamson, Duke

Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-6, 285 pounds
Slash Line: .693/.315/.654
Season Averages: 22.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 2.2 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 0.6 3PM

The all but unquestioned top pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, Zion Williamson’s value was on display the moment he returned for Duke in the ACC Tournament. Despite a close game with UNC, the Blue Devils walked towards the conference championship and clinched the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Goliaths have fallen before, including a previously unbeaten Kentucky team, coached by John Calipari, earlier this decade. A nearly perfect Illinois team in 2005 came inches from the National Championship.

Now, this Williamson-led team has the task of navigating a field of teams they have not faced, except if they reach the Final Four and face one of the ACC juggernauts, like the Tar Heels or Virginia.

Williamson displayed incredible numbers for Duke, with the exception of a three-point shot. It was not necessary, though, as he dominated everywhere else and looked like a man amongst boys as a 19-year-old prospect.

Next is a set of games that will provide more highlights for Williamson and potentially allow him to win the NCAA Championship — likely leaving college on top for the NBA, where the New York Knicks stand to have a 14 percent chance at his rights in May’s draft lottery.

Williamson would be a game-changer in New York, but his arrival is hardly guaranteed. There are 86 percent odds for him to land elsewhere, so all general manager Scott Perry and president Steve Mills can do on lottery night is cross their fingers.