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The Z Factor: Zavier Simpson Has Michigan Playing Gritty and Pretty

This story appears in the Feb. 11, 2019, issue of Sports Illustrated. For more great storytelling and in-depth analysis, subscribe to the magazine—and get up to 94% off the cover price. Click here for more.

The story of college basketball this season can be told from Z to Z. On one end of the spectrum is Duke freshman Zion Williamson, the presumptive No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, a 6'7", 284-pound athletic marvel who needs FAA clearance before he dunks. He is the driving force behind a national championship contender.