DURHAM, N.C. (AP) Duke might have to figure out what the Zion Show will look like without its namesake.
And Zion Williamson could have some things of his own to consider, too.
All because of a freak injury to arguably the most exciting player in college basketball in the opening minute of the sports fiercest rivalry, one that helped turn a widely anticipated matchup in front of yet another crowd of celebrities, this one including Spike Lee and former President Barack Obama into a blowout.
As his Nike shoe blew out, Williamson sprained his right knee on the first possession of what became top-ranked Dukes 88-72 loss to No. 8 North Carolina on Wednesday night.
In the aftermath of that loss, coach Mike Krzyzewski wasnt ready to look ahead. He was still trying to process just how quickly everything deflated after the injury.
Id rather not talk about what were going to do, Krzyzewski said. Id rather talk about what just happened. Because were going to figure out what were going to do. So I dont have that answer.
Krzyzewski says Williamsons knee is stable and the sprain is mild, but doesnt know how much time his star freshman will miss.
He doesnt have much time to find a replacement for the Atlantic Coast Conferences second-leading scorer and its most dynamic playmaker.
The Blue Devils (23-3, 11-2) play Saturday night at Syracuse which already knows how to beat a Duke team after it loses a key freshman to injury. The Orange beat No. 1 Duke last month in overtime after point guard Tre Jones injured a shoulder.
Williamson averages 22.4 points, but his impact goes well beyond scoring. He also grabs 9.2 rebounds and has blocked nearly two shots per game.
