I have started a new section on the ‘NBA Mistress’ leading up to the 2012 NBA Draft, in which I highlight NBA Draft candidates including video, selection projection, stats,etc.
Tyler Zeller – North Carolina
Position: Center
Heights: 7’0″ Weight: 250 lbs
2011-2012 Stats: 16.3 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.5 BPG
Strengths: Tyler has a solid height for his position, and you may chuckle at this, but he can make his free throws. He went 81% from the charity stripe this season. He has the ability to run the full court something he showed as a Tar Heel. In fact, he’s quicker than most big men and would do well with a team that runs and guns. Also, Tyler exhibits a decent-to-good understanding of basketball (IQ). Along with that, he understand defensive positioning and doesn’t mind taking charges.
Weaknesses: Although, he has the height, he lacks the size you see many NBA centers having which translates to him being bullied in the paint by a center who has that bulk. Although, he has improved, he still shows flashes of softness, which again will be a weakness defending some of the centers in the NBA. Another huge weakness, is the fact he is 22 years old and doesn’t have the sort of athleticism and size (bulk) that some NBA heads believe a 22-year old candidate should have.
Draft Express says it best:
The fact that he’s already 22 years and doesn’t have elite length or athleticism likely limits his upside in the eyes of NBA decision makers, but 7-footers who can rebound, run the floor, and score in the post are always highly coveted by NBA teams, and Zeller looks to have the potential to make a contribution early in his career if he’s drafted by the right team and given the opportunity.
