The 18-year-old Williamson, who has been averaging 22.4 points per game, was dribbling near the free throw line on his team's first possession when he planted his left foot and his shoe blew apart. Williamson dropped to the floor grimacing in pain and holding his right knee. He limped off the court and was removed from the game, which was being broadcast nationally on ESPN.
There was initial concern that Williamson may have suffered a serious knee injury but Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski said after the game that it was a "mild knee sprain." "I've seen guys bust through shoes but not sprain their knee," Krzyzewski said. "We don't know how long he'll be out." Duke, which was the top-ranked team in college basketball going into the game, ended up losing 88-72 to eighth-ranked North Carolina.
The 6ft 7in (2.01m) Williamson has been the most sensational player of this year's NCAA season, thrilling fans with thunderous dunks and displaying incredible agility and leaping ability for a player who weighs 285 pounds (129 kilograms). Nike, whose shares were down one percent in early trading in New York, said it was trying to figure out what had happened. "We are obviously concerned and want to wish Zion a speedy recovery," the sports apparel giant said in a statement. "The quality and performance of our products are of utmost importance.
"While this is an isolated occurrence, we are working to identify the issue," Nike said. Among those sending their best wishes to Williamson was NBA superstar LeBron James, a Nike client, and Obama, who was among the celebrities attending the sold-out game between the Blue Devils and Tar Heels. "Hope young fella is ok!" James tweeted. "Literally blew thru his (shoe)." "Zion Williamson seems like an outstanding young man as well as an outstanding basketball player," Obama said. "Wishing him a speedy recovery."