Zion Williamson, who grew up in Florence, South Carolina, was selected first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft. Joining a family of 50-plus athletes across multiple sports, the incoming professional is the latest member of Jordan Brand’s hardwood roster.
“I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the Jordan Brand family,” says Williamson. “Since I was a kid, I dreamed of making it to the league and having the type of impact on the game Michael Jordan had and continues to have today. He was one of those special athletes I looked up to, and I really can’t express how happy and excited I am for this journey.”
Williamson’s addition caps a summer full of new talent joining Jordan Brand, including Jayson Tatum, Rui Hachimura, WNBA players Asia Durr and Kia Nurse and NFL rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins.
“We’re excited to welcome Zion to the Jordan Brand,” says Craig Williams, Jordan Brand President. “It’s incredible to watch him play the game with unbridled passion and joy and we look forward to building our relationship with him for many years to come.”
Here’s what Michael Jordan and Howard White, VP Jordan Brand Affairs, have to say about Zion:
“Zion’s incredible determination, character and play are inspiring,” says Jordan. “He’s an essential part of the new talent that will help lead the brand into the future. He told us he would ‘shock the world,’ and asked us to believe him. We do.”
“Over the last 34 years we’ve built an incredible roster of talent with the same determination and greatness as MJ,” adds White. “There is something special about Zion that reminds me of MJ when he was younger.”