Recruiting Report: Derek Zeller (2018)
Even though 6’3” combo guard Derek Zeller (2018), who plays for Louisville High School and TNBA 16U, is yet to receive any interest from college programs, he is anything but discouraged about his basketball future. “I definitely feel like I…
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Continue ReadingEven though 6’3” combo guard Derek Zeller (2018), who plays for Louisville High School and TNBA 16U, is yet to receive any interest from college programs, he is anything but discouraged about his basketball future.
“I definitely feel like I can play college basketball at any level … I just feel like I put in more work than anyone else to get better. And that’s why I’m rapidly improving, and that’s why I feel like I can play at any level,” Zeller said.
For anyone who knows how Zeller plays, this comes as no surprise. There’s never a dull moment when he’s doing his thing on the court – diving for balls, crashing the glass, helping off-ball. All the stuff that goes unnoticed by the untrained eye.
“I feel like I bring a lot of intensity, especially on the defensive end where a lot of teams lack these days. Like a leadership role … I think it’s really just the intangibles that I bring.”
Nearly every basketball player goes through the phase of being unnoticed. Not receiving interest from colleges even though you’re putting in hours at the gym. Even though you’re willing to do the dirty work during the games.
It’s the select few players who embrace these times who emerge as college athletes.
Where does Zeller fit into this vetting process? What’s his approach?
“AAU, we have practice two times a week and that’s mostly just skills training, trying to just get you better. And then I also do personal training two or three times a week, for like strength building and just trying to build athleticism. And then, if I’m not doing any of that, I’m trying to get to the gym as much as possible,” Zeller said.
“Definitely get a better handle, I feel like that’s something I really need to improve on.”
Zeller is playing with TNBA 16U this summer. They will pick back up in July.
Every coach is going to be impressed by Zeller’s effort. However, becoming more fluent with his shot, finishing abilities, and ball-handling, seem to be the only barriers he’s yet to overcome. Given the confidence he’s expressed in his work ethic, it’s only a matter of time.