Tyler Zeller isn’t going to be a star, but barring injury, he will have a long productive career as possibly a starter and rotation big man.
17. Tyler Zeller 7-0 250lbs UNC Senior C/PF
2011-12 stats: 28.1 mpg, 16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 55% fg, 80% ft
Prediction: Mid to late 1st round
Strengths: Tyler Zeller was a productive, four year player at UNC, in one of the best conferences in all of college basketball. He has some skills and traits that will allow him to play in the NBA for a long time. For one, he hustles and plays hard at all times, he might not be the best athlete out there, but his effort and toughness makes up for it. Zeller is skilled in the post, has both a left and right hand hook shot that’s effective. He average almost 10 rebounds a game, and he has range on his jump shot out to 18 feet. On the right team, Zeller could come in and start and give you quality minutes right away.
Weaknesses: Zeller doesn’t have the upside that most prospects have, because he’s limited athletically. He pretty much is what he is, and will have to get used to the speed of the game and can be over matched by swifter, better athletes. If you are looking for a franchise player he isn’t that guy.
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