By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
During a press conference on Tuesday evening, Zion Williamson talked about the upcoming NBAXNBL: Melbourne Series and was generous in displaying his appreciation for the welcoming environment in Australia.
The 25-year-old combo forward of the New Orleans Pelicans was asked to rank the National Basketball League based in Australasia amidst the best leagues in the world.
“I feel like I’ve been pretty embraced here, so I have no problem saying the NBL is the second-best league,” he answered in a joking way, obviously ranking the NBA as first and removing the EuroLeague, widely considered the actual second-best league in the world.
Representing the NBA in the league’s first games in Australia, the Pelicans will take on Melbourne United on Friday and South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday in Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.
“We’re looking to go out there and compete, and just have a great time. As far as what I’m going to do, if I can get a fast break, I might have fun with it, or I might just lay it in, we don’t know,” Williamson described his approach to the preseason series.
The top pick of the 2019 NBA draft, a veteran of 214 games played in the league, also opened up about his new physique.
“It means a lot for my game,” he mentioned, “I’m able to stay on the court longer, all my movements are faster and swifter, and honestly, it just feels good to feel good. I feel very good.”