Zion Williamson

Zion Lateef Williamson, born on July 6, 2000, in Salisbury, North Carolina, has rapidly ascended to prominence in the basketball world. His journey from a young aspirant to an NBA star is marked by dedication, familial support, and exceptional talent.

Early Life and Education

Williamson was born to Lateef Williamson and Sharonda Sampson. His father, Lateef, was a football defensive lineman at Mayo High School in Darlington, South Carolina, and later played at Livingstone College. His mother, Sharonda, was a sprinter at Livingstone and subsequently became a middle school health and physical education teacher. Following his parents’ divorce when he was five, his mother married Lee Anderson, a former Clemson college basketball player, who played a significant role in Zion’s basketball development.

From a young age, Zion exhibited a passion for sports, engaging in soccer and playing as a quarterback in football. By the age of five, he aspired to become a college basketball star. Demonstrating remarkable discipline, he began waking up at 5 a.m. at the age of nine to train. He participated in youth leagues coached by his mother and played for the Sumter Falcons on the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit, often competing against players four years his senior. His stepfather, Lee Anderson, further honed his skills, particularly in the point guard position.

Zion attended Spartanburg Day School in South Carolina, where he became a consensus five-star recruit and was ranked among the top five players in the 2018 class. He led his team to three consecutive state championships and earned the South Carolina Mr. Basketball title in his senior year. His high school performances, characterized by his explosive dunks, garnered national attention and solidified his reputation as a basketball prodigy.

Personal Life and Family

In June 2023, Zion announced that he and his girlfriend were expecting a daughter, sharing the news through a YouTube video from their baby shower. This announcement was followed by public claims from adult film actress Moriah Mills regarding an alleged affair with Williamson, which garnered significant media attention.

Off the court, Zion has demonstrated a commitment to his community. In March 2020, during the suspension of the NBA season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he pledged to cover the salaries of all employees at the Smoothie King Center for 30 days, showcasing his generosity and sense of responsibility towards those supporting the team’s operations.

Detailed Bio Table

College Career at Duke University

In 2018, Williamson committed to Duke University, playing under the esteemed coach Mike Krzyzewski. His tenure at Duke was nothing short of spectacular. He was named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Athlete of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the Year. He set the single-game school scoring record for freshmen in January 2019 and earned multiple accolades, including AP Player of the Year and the Wayman Tisdale Award. His collegiate performance not only showcased his athletic prowess but also his versatility and basketball intelligence.

Professional Career

Following his standout freshman year, Zion declared for the 2019 NBA Draft and was selected first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans. His rookie season was highly anticipated, and despite an initial delay due to a torn meniscus, he made a significant impact upon his debut. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020. In 2021, at just 20 years old, he became the fourth youngest NBA player to be selected for an All-Star game. Throughout his professional career, Zion has faced challenges with injuries, including a torn meniscus in his rookie year and missing the entire 2021-22 season. As of December 2024, he was in the conditioning phase of his rehabilitation from a left hamstring strain, with plans to return to practice.

Recent Matches

Notable and Legendary Matches

Throughout his career, Zion has delivered several standout performances:

• February 12, 2021 vs. Dallas Mavericks: Scored a then career-high 36 points on 14-of-15 shooting, making him the youngest player in NBA history to score 30+ points while shooting over 90% from the field.
• March 21, 2021 vs. Denver Nuggets: Recorded 30 points and 6 rebounds, leading the Pelicans to a 113-108 victory.

Career Overview

Zion Williamson was selected as the first overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 284 pounds, he plays the power forward position. Despite facing injuries, Zion has made significant contributions when on the court. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020 and became one of the youngest players to be selected for the NBA All-Star Game in 2021.

Achievements

• NBA All-Star Selections: 2 (2021, 2022)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team: 2020
• College Honors: National College Player of the Year (2019), Consensus First-Team All-American (2019), ACC Player of the Year (2019)

Height and Physical Appearance

Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) and weighing 284 pounds (129 kilograms), Zion Williamson possesses a unique combination of size, strength, and agility. His muscular build and explosive athleticism have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats. His leaping ability and quickness make him a formidable presence on the court.

Latest News

As of February 2025, the New Orleans Pelicans have expressed satisfaction with Zion Williamson‘s improved conditioning and performance. Despite a challenging start to the 2024-25 season, the team has decided to retain both Zion and C.J. McCollum, indicating their confidence in the duo’s ability to lead the team forward.

Social Media Accounts Table

Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Zion Williamson’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. This wealth is attributed to his NBA contracts, endorsements, and various investments. He signed a lucrative contract extension with the Pelicans, ensuring his financial security. Additionally, endorsements with major brands have significantly contributed to his earnings.