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Duke Star Says He'd Beat UNC Basketball Legend in Dunk Contest

A hypothetical high-flying battle between UNC basketball great Vince Carter and Duke's Zion Williamson would make for must-see TV.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball forward Vince Carter
UNC basketball forward Vince Carter / RVR Photos-Imagn Images
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Former Duke basketball one-and-done and 2019 No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson hasn't made his NBA Slam Dunk Contest debut. UNC basketball legend Vince Carter won the only one he ever needed to enter to cement his top-shelf status in the event's history book.

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Given Williamson's listed 6-foot-6, 285-pound frame as a Blue Devil and in each of his five seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, one could argue his 360 capabilities are at least somewhere near the stratosphere of the finishing touch to Carter's 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest victory.

Either way, in Williamson's recent sitdown chat with Overtime, the 24-year-old hinted at some in-air creativity that he hasn't shown the world yet.

He paid respect to the 47-year-old Carter, who is set to see his jersey number head to the rafters in two NBA arenas this season. Still, when asked, Williamson said he'd prevail in a hypothetical dunk showdown against Carter in his prime.

That's not to mention 1982 UNC basketball national champion Michael Jordan, who took home the contest's hardware in 1987 and 1988, plus current Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James (never entered).

"I would have to go with 'Prime Vince' [over Michael Jordan and LeBron James] because of power and creativity he had on his dunks," Williamson explained. "That doesn't take away from Mike nor LeBron. I just think Vince had more creative dunks...

"I'm gonna give Vince his respect, but I gotta take myself. I got nothing but love and respect for Vince...You know, my dunk package is crazy. I just haven't showcased it...I think I'm gonna start posting a few dunks just to remind people that I still got it."

ALSO READ: Where UNC Stands in Pursuit of Five-Star Braylon Mullins

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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