DURHAM, N.C. — The stage was set for the most anticipated college basketball matchup of the season Wednesday night in Durham. But 34 seconds in, it was derailed when the nation's most exciting player ripped through his shoe in a bizarre injury no one saw coming.
When Duke phenom Zion Williamson drove to the foul line and made a hard cut, he slipped, causing his shoe to blow open. Williamson fell to the floor in pain. The air left Cameron Indoor Stadium in a dramatic plot twist between the top-ranked Blue Devils and No. 8 North Carolina.
Williamson, listed as 6-foot-7, 285 pounds, was wearing PG 2.5s, a brand of Nikes modeled after NBA star Paul George. The freshman went to the locker room and didn't return to the game.
"We are obviously concerned and want to wish Zion a speedy recovery," Nike said. "The quality and performance of our products are of utmost importance. While this is an isolated occurrence, we are working to identify the issue."
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski called Williamson's injury a 'mild knee sprain.'
UNC never trailed and won comfortably, 88-72.
"Everybody be honest," UNC coach Roy Williams said. "When the big fella goes out of the game, it changes a lot of stuff for them."
► Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the WFMY News 2 App: Apple Users, Android Users