I had the opportunity to talk to Tyler Zeller this evening about his visit to Bloomington last weekend. Here is what he had to say.
General thoughts on his visit "It went really well. I knew some of the players before, but just got to spend time with them and coaches talking about the team."
How was the IU-Illinois football game? "The game was fun to go to, although the game was not a very good football game. I enjoyed walking around with the team and coaches. People recognized me and starting yelling my name and things."
Being from southern Indiana and a highly ranked recruit, you are likely noticed at IU more than an average recruit. Do you like all that recognition with people yelling your name? "Yes and no. It is nice to have people recognize me and show their support for the basketball team, but it does get old after awhile. It is just part of the process."
After taking your official visit to North Carolina the weekend before, how do UNC and IU compare as schools? "They (IU and UNC) are very similar schools because they are basketball schools. There is not as much focus on the football teams and everyone loves basketball."
Did you get to play and pick up games with the current players? "Yeah Matt (AAU teammate and 2008 IU commit Matt Roth) and I played with some of the guys on Friday. I did alright and held my own. I know though that I have to work on some things (on his game) before I go to the next level."
You've been in Assembly Hall before for AAU tournaments and games. Do you ever get caught up in the tradition, looking at the banners and how big the stadium is? "It's nice walking onto the floor on such a big stadium, but once I start playing, I focus on the game and block out all of that other stuff."
How did you spend your time when you were not at the scheduled events of the weekend? "I hung out with DJ (White) a lot. I went to his apartment with Lance Stemler and a lot of the other players came over. We just hung out and had a good time. On Saturday, I spent a lot of time with Brett Finkelmeier."
Two trips left. Are you still going to take them all before deciding? "Yeah, we are still going to take all the tips and then decide."
Zeller and his family are continuing the play his recruitment close to the vest. I know some optimistic Hoosier fans would hope for a commitment this week, but after talking to Tyler that is not a possibility. He has continued to say that he is going to take all four visits before coming to a decision, and nothing he said to me this afternoon made me think otherwise.
IU does have some advantages in this recruiting battle. Bloomington is only one hour away from Washington, Tyler's hometown. Also, AAU teammates Matt Roth and Kory Barnett will join the Hoosiers next season. Tyler has said in the past though that having teammates going to a certain school will not influence his decision. Tyler will have the opportunity to play significant minutes his freshman year as the Hoosiers will need big bodies in 2008. The Hoosiers seem to be primed to contend for Big 10 championships and final fours over the next four years.
The other schools also have attractive features for Tyler. UNC and coach Roy Williams will continue to have top-10 teams for the foreseeable future. He will be surrounded with a lot of talent with chances to win a national title. At Purdue, Zeller will have the opportunity to build tradition with the help of the current group of Purdue freshman who have high expectations coming into their college careers. Tyler's brother, Luke, plays basketball for Notre Dame. From what I've read about Tyler, it seems that he is close to his brother, so it is uncertain what role that will play in his decision.
Right now it is safe to say all four schools have a good chance of landing Zeller's services. Check back to the basketblog and the IDS for further Zeller and IU basketball coverage.
