Clemson has become the surprise favorite for 5-star basketball recruit Zion Williamson

Zion Williamson is the top uncommitted basketball player in the senior class. On Jan. 20, he’ll announce his college decision. Williamson’s finalists include the usual suspects for a five-star recruit: Duke, Kentucky, Kansas and North Carolina. But none of those schools are the front-runner, according to the Crystal Ball at 247 Sports.

The Clemson Tigers have become a 70 percent favorite to land Williamson, per the national recruiting experts who logged predictions at 247 Sports. If it happens, Williamson will be by far the biggest recruit in program history.

Clemson has only grabbed one top-25 basketball recruit since 247 Sports started tracking commits in 2000. Trevor Booker is the program’s only current NBA player, with forward K.J. McDaniels also bouncing in and out of the league over the last few years.

Williamson is ranked as the No. 2 overall player in his class by ESPN, only behind Duke commit R.J. Barrett. ESPN also projected Williamson as the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Clemson only has two top-10 NBA draft picks in program history: Sharone Wright (1994) and Horace Grant (1987). Staying home would truly be a groundbreaking decision for a talent of Williamson’s caliber.

The Tigers haven’t made the NCAA tournament since Brad Brownell’s first season in 2011, but are off to a 13-1 start this year that has them ranked No. 25 in the AP Poll.

Clemson already has wins over Ohio State, Florida, NC State and Boston College, with a lone loss coming to Temple. Three of Clemson’s top four scorers are currently juniors, which means he could have a veteran cast surrounding him if he chooses the Tigers.

Williamson is an incredibly unique talent. Read our feature on him from USA Basketball camp this October for a full picture of his abilities.

At 6’6, 272-pounds, Williamson has the height of a shooting guard and the weight of a center. He’s an A+ athlete who became a social media sensation for his ridiculous dunking ability, but he’s also a great shot blocker, rebounder and cutter. The biggest hole in his game is his jump shot.

If Williamson is looking to maximize his on-court potential, he should be looking for a team with a bunch of shooters. UNC would be a good option in that regard: The Tar Heels are expected to bring back Luke Maye, Kenny Williams and Cam Johnson next season.

We know that’s all you wanted to see anyway.

These might be coming to Clemson. What a world.