Last Sunday, after the Pelicans knocked off the Clippers, 135–115, Pelicans All-Star Zion Williamson was asked who he thought would win the NCAA tournament.
The Duke All-America’s answer fell in line with the Duke mantra “The Brotherhood.”
"If Duke ain't in, I'm not interested," Williamson said with a smile.
Nolan Smith, a former Duke star who currently serves as the director of operations and player development for the Blue Devils, totally gets it.
“I see what Zion’s saying,” Smith said. “But the tournament will still go on.”
The Blue Devils (13-11, 9-9) missed the tournament for the first time since 1995 after a positive COVID-19 test on the team forced them to cancel their ACC quarterfinal matchup with Florida State, ending their two-game winning streak in the conference tournament.