Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana Basketball: Top five in-state recruiting misses since 2000

By Alec Lasley

BLOOMINGTON, IN - JANUARY 15: A Indiana Hoosiers cheerleader performs during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Assembly Hall on January 15, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - JANUARY 15: A Indiana Hoosiers cheerleader performs during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Assembly Hall on January 15, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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GREENSBORO, NC – MARCH 16: Tyler Zeller #44 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on against the Vermont Catamounts during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 16, 2012 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
GREENSBORO, NC – MARCH 16: Tyler Zeller #44 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on against the Vermont Catamounts during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 16, 2012 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Tyler Zeller (2008)

An Indiana Mr. Basketball from Washington High School, Zeller was a force in the paint that ultimately chose North Carolina over Indiana and others.

The 7-footer had taken an official visit to Indiana during his recruiting process and while they were in the final four for Zeller, he just didn’t feel as at home and comfortable there as he did when choosing North Carolina.

Saying at his announcement,

"“For the most part, I just felt the most comfortable there. I went to all the schools on official visits and hung out with the players and coaches,” said Zeller. “I felt like I fit in with the players and coaches the best at North Carolina. I felt like I could have fit at any of the schools, but I felt a lot more comfortable there.”"

Zeller went on to average 12.8 points per game, 6.7 rebounds and win ACC Player of the Year his senior season (16.3 PPG, 9.6 RPG). He also won a National Championship during his freshman season.

At the time of his commitment, Indiana was dealing with interim head coach in Dan Dakich and in the middle of receiving sanctions from the NCAA. His freshman season, the Hoosiers went 6-25.

It’s safe to say that if Zeller wound up at Indiana, they may have had some better years, but it may have been Cody Zeller that they would’ve missed out on.

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