Cody Zeller, Indiana Hoosiers: He's Only One Man, but What an Impact

I’ve watched a lot of college basketball in my time.  I’ve seen a lot of great players come and go.  Having focused on IU basketball this season, I’m seeing one man who can do so much for a team without having to shoot. 

Of course I’m talking about Cody Zeller. 

With two games left before conference play begins IU has a chance to work in some of the bench players and get them in a groove (not that they're not already).  As I watched the Hoosiers just destroy Howard tonight I focused in on two things specifically.

The first thing I noticed was ball movement.  IU is a team that is not afraid to shoot, as we know.  They are also a team that is not afraid to make the extra pass.  It’s extremely important, as they get closer to Big Ten play, that they understand the idea of teamwork. 

I know Coach Crean has instilled that into their heads so I'll just say it again.  It’s something you learn while playing rec club basketball as a youngster.  Find the open man and that usually will lead to points.  I know that seems obvious, but the Hoosiers are another level when it comes to teamwork.

These guys can shoot, there's no doubt about that, but the reason they hit so many shots is because they have a special talent at hitting the open man.  Instead of being greedy and putting up the three with a man running at your face the one extra bounce pass leads to an open three.  It’s why Indiana is on fire.  

Remember in the movie Space Jam, when the characters drank the magic water?  The stuff was labeled “Michael's secret stuff."  I think right now Indiana believes they had a sip of that water, as  they think they can beat anyone, anywhere, anytime.  I like the focus of this team and more importantly, I like the idea that they are playing like a team.   

Now on to what I really wanted to point out and that’s the impact that Cody Zeller has on this team.  It’s more than obvious when you watch a game how he impacts it. 

Zeller does not need to touch the ball. All he has to do is pretend to want to touch the ball.  I still think IU has to work on getting him the rock more in the offense.  You can see that he calls for it but they seem to just bypass throwing it down low to him.   

As I watched tonight there were many times when he had three guys on him.  What teams will have to start doing is respect his ability to pass the ball.  Zeller has to be one of the best big men in the country in regard to court vision and seeing where he needs to go with the ball.   

Look, Indiana finished in last place last season in the Big Ten.  LAST PLACE!  They already have more wins this year then they did all of last year, and it's in no small part to Mr. Zeller.  In fact, he deserves the lion's share of the credit to their turnaround.  He does so much without the ball that it’s allowing the other guys to hit the open shots. 

If you're scouting this team you have to find a way to stop him and if you do that then you have to find a way to stop the shooters from hitting from the outside.  Still, even with the double team, Zeller is so good around the net that it’s hard to stop him when he goes up strong.   

Even though Zeller didn’t hit his first basket until there was six minutes left in the first half, and IU already had the game wrapped up against a far inferior opponent, you could see just in the first 15 minutes of play the impact Zeller was having.  IU shot nine for 14 from three-point range in the first half and a lot of that was due to the extra pass and the double-teaming of Zeller down low.   

I’m impressed with what IU is doing and come Big Ten play they should be able to hold their own this year if not challenge for the top spot.  Hoosier nation should stand proud at this point and if you want to get on the bandwagon I’m sure there are still a few seats left open. 

Got a question or comment?  Chances are I’ll use it down the line.  Shoot me a note at [e-mail] or on Twitter @ BillBiz22