University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heel Talk With Tyler Zeller
November 9, 2010 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 9, 2010
On Tuesday afternoon, UNC junior forward Tyler Zeller answered questions submitted by Carolina fans via Facebook and Twitter as part of the Tar Heel Talk series on TarHeelBlue.com.
For more information and future Tar Heel Talk installments, visit UNC's Facebook or Twitter pages.
Dwayne Carter asks: Tyler, how do you think things have improved from the team and individual standpoint?
Tyler Zeller: "For the team I think everybody's a lot more dedicated and a lot more focused than last year. We all don't want to go back to where we were last year and we're doing everything we can to improve it. From an individual standpoint, just trying to improve on every aspect of my game to be able to help our team win more."
Orlando Jones asks: Tyler, just wanted to get your thoughts on the '10-'11 edition of the team, as well as your thoughts of the freshman class and the role they will play. Go Luck Go Heels!!!
TZ: "I think we should be pretty good. We have the potential to be a very successful team this year and that's what we're hoping to be. We have a lot of work to do, but at the same time it's what's expected. The freshman class, they are all very good and very talented in their own ways. Harrison is all he's said to be. Kendall is a great point guard and great at managing the team. Reggie can shoot the ball and defend, do a lot of little things."
Shawn Fischer asks: Tyler... what do you feel is the biggest area of improvement in your game vs. last season?
TZ: "Just my overall ability and doing a lot of little things better. I've done a lot of shooting and worked on my shot a lot."
Ace asks: Tyler, what are you looking forward to the most this season?
TZ: "Just playing again, trying to redeem ourselves for last year. We definitely don't want to have the [kind of] year we had last year. We're doing everything we can to not, but at the same time we've got to continue to work hard. I'm just looking forward to playing and winning."
Brandon Knaub asks: How do you balance being a normal college student and also being a face everybody knows as a "star"?
TZ: "You try to be normal to a certain extent, but at the same time since everyone does know your face it's very difficult to be normal. I do my best."
Randy Shemanski asks: Tyler, what do you enjoy more -- a transition dunk or posting up and scoring in the half-court offense?
TZ: "I'd probably say scoring in the half-court offense because it's more of a challenge and you use what you know, whereas transition dunks are exciting, but at the same time it's something very simple."
Carrie Weekly asks: Tyler, who are your influences, who do you look up to that came from UNC, basketball speaking?
TZ: "Overall influence would be my parents. They made me the person I am and continue to be very supportive in everything I do. A UNC influence would be Sean May, because he's around every summer and continues to help in any way possible."
Jamie Minton asks: It looks like you have put on a few pounds of muscle, is there anything else you have done to try to prevent injuries this year?
TZ: "You can't really do anything to completely prevent injuries. What I do to try and prevent them is just rehab stuff after practice and making sure that I'm properly stretched and warmed up before practice."
Patrick Hunter asks: Tyler, with a tough non-conference schedule, which non-conference opponent are you most excited to play this year?
TZ: "Kentucky, just because I'm from Indiana and that's kind of a rival state."
Sandy Bare asks: Did your summer events make you a little more confident and stronger on your inside game? You got game.
TZ: "During the summer I was at UNC playing pick-up games and lifting. I believe I am a stronger and better player for it."
Kevin Chambers asks: I would like to know as a kid not really growing up close to NC & with so many choices brought you to Chapel Hill?
TZ: "First off, the team and coaches are the initial reasons I came to UNC. Now that I'm here I see that the city and surrounding areas are a great place to live."
Doreen Tilley asks: Tyler, good luck with the season. How is the teamwork this year? Is the team working as one? I look forward to a spectacular season.
TZ: "The teamwork so far this year has been very good. We continue to try and become a better unit every day in practice."
Onteria Garner asks: Hey Tyler, I wanted to know how were the pick-up games this off season with the alums? Who came back and how tough were the games? Good luck this season. I feel good about this team!
TZ: "The main alumni back were Sean May, Raymond Felton, Jackie Manuel, Melvin Scott, Shammond Williams, Marvin Williams, Jawad Williams and many others. The games were very intense and competitive."
