Zion won't end college season early to preserve himself

Zion Williamson is committed to Duke for as long as their season lasts.

The college basketball sensation said Saturday he won't shut things down early to preserve his body ahead of June's NBA draft - where he's widely expected to go first overall.

"I can't just stop playing," Williamson said, according to Yahoo's Pat Forde. "I'd be letting my teammates down. I'd be letting (Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski) down. I'd be letting a lot of people down."

There's been no suggestion the 18-year-old Williamson would consider ending his expected one-and-done season early, but last week Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen recommended he do just that.

"I think he’s locked up the biggest shoe deal, I think he's definitely going to be the No. 1 pick, I think he’s done enough for college basketball that it's more about him personally," Pippen said on ESPN's "The Jump".

"I think for him as a young player, I would shut it down. I would stop playing because I feel he could risk a major injury that could really hurt his career."

A trend has emerged with some college football players electing to skip their school's postseason bowl games to prepare for the NFL draft. That hasn't occurred yet with major basketball prospects.

“If I was going to sit out, I wouldn't have gone to college," Williamson added. "I'm thankful that Coach K gave me the opportunity."