Should Cody Zeller Return for His Junior Year?

Last night against Syracuse in the Sweet 16 everyone watched Cody Zeller struggle. He was reluctant to shoot the jumper from the top of the key and opted to pass or try and drive almost every time he touched the ball from that spot. This is just one of numerous disappearing acts Zeller has pulled this season and it's time for him to consider whether or not he's really ready for the NBA.

In order to be ready for the NBA and be a lottery pick you need to be ready to contribute right away. The NBA has become all about the second contract and not about the first contract meaning that if he can't get to the league and play right away, he's not going to last very long. Just give him the eye test. Do you really think he can bang down low with guys like Tyson Chandler and Serge Ibaka?

He's a seven footer who plays like he's 5'8 sometimes. He's decently athletic and can run the floor but he doesn't have much of a jumper. It's no secret that he's not going to be able to go into the NBA and body up with the real big boys. If he can't shoot the jumper, he can't play. Unless of course he puts on some weight.

I have watched almost every Indiana game this season. There are times he makes you say wow, and there are times you don't even realize he's on the floor. To go to the NBA he needs to be a stand out guy every game and that includes showing up in the big games. If you're sitting there and seriously think this guy is ready for the NBA right now, you're kidding yourself. Give him another year in a Hoosier uniform, and let him develop his game a little more. It'll be the best thing for him. And then maybe, just maybe, he'll be a lottery pick in 2014 and the Hoosiers can get to that Final Four.