Zion Williamson talks final schools leading up to decision date

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The No. 3 ranked player in the nation, Zion Williamson, will be announcing his decision on Jan. 20. After scoring scoring 36 points in a 70-64 loss to Chino Hills (Calif.). Williamson discussed which schools were in to see him this week, his mindset leading up to his decision and much more.

What percentage do you think you’re at right now after being back for two games?

"I’d say about 90 percent. I just have to get my wind back under me."

Does it make you nervous at all coming out and playing at an event like this when you’re not 100 percent?

"Not at all. I go into every game with the same confidence and when the crowd is bigger, I feel like I play even better."

Do you feel like you have to put on a show in warmups when everyone’s cheering for you to dunk and booing when you just take a jump shot?

(laughs) "To be honest, when I do those dunks I’m just testing to see where my legs are at ahead of the game."

You have a big date coming up here, your decision date on Jan. 20. What’s your mindset going into that announcement?

"I’m very excited for that day because it’s my mom’s birthday and that’s just a big thank you to her for all the sacrifices she’s made for me."

In another interview you said Clemson and South Carolina are definitely in your final group of schools. Who are the other final couple schools involved.

"I’m going to say, Kansas, Kentucky, Duke, North Carolina. And of course Clemson and South Carolina."

Have any of those schools been in to see you recently?

"Yes. North Carolina, South Carolina and Kentucky have been in to see me this last week."

Have you made your final decision yet? I know you’re not going to say anything now, but has the decision been made?

"Not really. No decision has been made yet. I’m going to probably make it the middle of this week."

As it gets closer to a decision date, do you feel the pressure to stay local and go to an in-state school?

"I don’t really feel any pressure at all. I can’t just go to a school to be the local hero, I have to go to the school that’s best for me. And if I don’t choose to go to an in-state school, I know everyone here will still continue to support me."

Obviously you’ve built relationships with a handful of schools and their coaches staff. How hard is it going to be for you to give the news to only one school that you’re coming and have to tell all the rest of the schools no?

"I don’t think it’s going to be that hard because in the end, it is a business. They know that and I know that and the coaches are recruiting me to help their program so there’s an understanding there when a decision is made."

What will be your main thoughts and goals going into this week and making your decision?

"When I select a school, I just want to make sure I don’t have any regrets on the decision. I just want to be completely sure that I want to go to that school and team."

How are you going to make your announcement?

"To be honest, I don’t even know yet. If I can’t come up with anything I’ll probably just do one of those hat tricks."

Where will the announcement be? At the school?

"Yes. I’m going to have it at the big gym at my school. I don’t have a time set yet but it will probably be around 5 pm or 6 pm. Nothing’s been set yet though."

Have people around town started to ask you where you’re going and tried to pick your brain at all?

(laughs) "Yes. Everyone likes to give their little two cents. For example, they’ll ask, ‘what do you think about Clemson?’ and I’ll just answer, ‘maybe. We’ll see on the 20th.’ And on like that with every school."