Last night, at the Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas, NV, former North Carolina basketball player Tyler Zeller played his second (of five) NBA Summer League games. This time his Cleveland Cavaliers took on the NBDL Select team, which they beat 94 tp 88 in a tight game that had 8 lead changes and 9 ties. For the former Carolina big man it was once again a good showing as he played for about 25 minutes, scoring a team high of 19 points (5 for 8 ~ 0 for 0 ~ 9 for 10) to go along with seven rebounds, a pair of steals, a couple of blocked shots, a TO and a pts differential of +6.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSsXyFDn8ws&w=640&h=360]
It was evident to see that Zeller, who is leading his team in points with 33, seems to be truly catching on quickly on how to play his position at the next level. An article on Cleveland.com said that “Dion Waiters may have been picked first, but Tyler Zeller remains the most impressive rookie on the Cavalier Summer League roster“. I could not agree with this more, as the young man just seems to make things happen on both side of the ball. From set plays to loose balls Tyler Zeller is always ready to make something happen, and just like at Carolina, he seems to come to play each and every day. I have said this many times, be in posts like this one or on twitter or elsewhere, many franchises passed up on a well rounded, foundementally sound player for no reason whatsoever, and I truly hope that the seven footer from Chapel Hill makes them regret that for seasons to come.
Tonight at 10:30 EST, in what will be the third game in a row for the Cavaliers, it will be Heel vs Heel as Zeller will face off against once team mate point guard Kendall Marshall. And while Zeller will be going at it for a third time in the Summer League for Marshall it will be the first time playing as a pro since the first of the Suns’ game was played before the floor general had not signed his contract. I can not wait to see the two former North Carolina players go at it tonight and of course will have the recap of the game right here on isportsweb.