Zion Williamson wants to represent USA at future Olympics
by Omnisport
Zion Williamson has expressed an interest in representing the United States at an Olympics, having been left off the country's preliminary roster for the Tokyo Games.
The USA, who have won gold at the last three Olympics, announced their 44-man list for the 2020 Games earlier this week, with LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard among the star names included.
However, there is no place for 19-year-old rookie sensation Williamson, while other impressive youngsters like Trae Young and Ja Morant have also been overlooked.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Williamson has poured in at least 20 points in eight of his first 10 NBA games - a feat last achieved by the great Michael Jordan when he was a rookie - and the teenager revealed he is keen to play for USA down the line.
"That is something I would definitely want to do in the future," he told reporters.
"I think there's nothing better than representing your country."
Williamson was speaking ahead of the NBA's All-Star weekend, when he will represent Team USA in the Rising Stars Challenge.
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Morant, the current Rookie of the Year forerunner, and the Atlanta Hawks' sophomore Young are also on a team that will face a world side that has Luka Doncic and RJ Barrett on its roster.
"It's an honour to be here in my first year, despite being 10 games in," added Williamson, who missed the first three months of the season due to a knee injury.
The first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft was also asked which of the game's greats he tries to emulate when he was on the court.
"I don't try to emulate any of them. I just try to bring my own style to the game," he replied.
"I watched a lot of [Michael] Jordan, [Larry] Bird and Magic [Johnson] clips."
Published 14 Feb 2020, 23:04 IST
Give feedback