Zeller impressed with Hoosiers season
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
INDIANAPOLIS — Whenever the Charlotte Hornets are in town to face the Pacers, it’s always fun to see former Hoosier Cody Zeller. I had a chance to speak with Zeller after the Hornets win on Friday night, and Cody shared some thoughts about his alma mater.
“They’ve been playing really well,” Zeller said. “Especially recently, I think they’ve started to buy in to Coach Crean’s defensive schemes and really started to defend.”
The improved defense has been the biggest turning point in the Hoosiers season. But the offense has been clicking in most games as well.
“They can blow a game open quickly with how much shooting they have on the floor,” said Zeller. “They’ve shown that in the Big Ten this year. It’s fun watching them.”
Fans can see from Zeller’s Twitter account that “the Big Handsome” still keeps up with the Hoosiers as much as possible. “All of the guys do,” he said. “I was just texting Jordy (Hulls) and some of the other guys during the IU game the other night.”
What does Cody think about Indiana’s chances this March? “They just have so much offense. They can blow a game open in five minutes. They’ll be a scary team to play.”
As for Zeller’s season with the Hornets, he continues to improve and show the skills that made him a top five pick in the draft. He was instrumental in the win over the Pacers Friday night, scoring 14 points on 5-of-5 shooting. He has averaged 10.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game since the beginning of December.
The Hornets have won 10 of the last 14 games, and Zeller has played a big role.
“We’ve gotten healthy,” he said. “We’ve started playing together as a team. This is a fun time of year because we’re in the playoff race. We’re playing in games that matter.”
Zeller continued: “I’m just getting more and more comfortable out there. I’m playing more confident. More aggressive. I’m learning where to get my shot and learning defensive schemes better.”
The former Hoosier will look to continue improving at the NBA level. As for Indiana? Zeller will definitely be watching and cheering as the Hoosiers go for another Big Ten Title.
Follow Tyler on Twitter and Periscope: @TylerSmith_ISL
