Zion cracks Time's '100 Next' list for 2019
Zion Williamson has been named by Time to be one of the world's top rising stars.
The New Orleans Pelicans rookie made Time's "100 Next" list for 2019 under the "Phenoms" category, in which he's joined by tennis star Coco Gauff, figure skater Alysa Liu, and rapper Lil Nas X, among others.
Time's list "spotlights 100 rising stars who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, science, health, and more," according to the publication.
Williamson's inclusion on the list is accompanied by an essay written by NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal.
"As we eagerly await Zion to start his rookie season in the NBA after knee surgery, he already has the weight of the world on his shoulders. But what means the most to him is playing hard for his teammates and coaches, setting a good example through his actions and making his family proud," O'Neal wrote. "No matter what happens when he joins his teammates on the court, I know these guiding principles will serve him well down the line.
"And because of that, coupled with his talent, no comparison to anyone comes close."