Coach K Says Zion Is Too "Gifted" and "Unique" For Refs To Know How To Officiate Him

[247 Sports] - Krzyzewski went on to talk about how officials struggled with Williamson’s movement abilities when Duke played Texas Tech, when Williamson fouled out after taking some offensive fouls, including one on a spin move.

“People, I would hope they learn how to officiate him because when he makes a spin at full court like that, a kid can’t take a charge unless it’s a secondary defender because it’s a unique move,” Krzyzewski said. “Only a gifted athlete could make it at that level. He has a number of ‘wow’ moments.”

I know, I know. Another Zion blog. But, here’s the thing. People keep saying things and Zion keeps doing things that are blog worthy. There’s a reason he’s being showcased so much.

But, how about K here? Just pleading for officials to not call charges. I actually love that move. No, not because I’m a Duke fan – quite the opposite. But, rather because he’s right and I absolutely despise refs rewarding dudes for just falling down. It happens all the time in college basketball. We see a bigger guy take a dribble and a dude flying to the ground and the ref excited to make a charge call. Honestly, they are charges only about 30-40% of the time tops.

K also says that “Well he’s better than I thought he would be.” That’s a bit of a wild statement. I know people were doubting Zion coming in because the highlights from high school were against diminutive white dudes with him flying over them. But, people forgot about AAU and all that where he’s going up against guys that are playing college ball now. I’d say he’s exceeded expectations at this point with him being a heavy favorite to win NPOY.

But back to the officiating. I am curious to see how K works refs going forward. It’s a real thing. We see coaches make statements like this and plead for certain calls. It works from time to time, but when you have K doing it you’ll likely have a ref listen a bit more. Especially at home. Zion does have the ball in his hands a lot and likes to push tempo. He does break out a spin move and uses an in-and-out dribble quite a bit.

Either way I’m here for coaches to call out officials. It’s been worse than normal this year.