Tyler Zeller shedding the 'soft' label

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Tyler Zeller doesnt listen to sports talk radio or read about his team in the newspapers or on the Internet. And thats probably a good thing. The 7-foot senior center for North Carolina has been the subject of criticism when segments of the media and fans try to rationalize why the No. 6 Tar Heels arent invincible. Carolina was supposed to cruise through its schedule on a path to one of the more historic seasons in recent college basketball history. But it hasnt worked out that way. UNC (18-3) still might be the favorite to win the national championship, but the Heels are mortal, too. It isnt like Zeller gets blistered daily, but the criticism has been pretty consistent, and Zeller has been a primary target. People say hes soft. You can think whatever you want, but no matter what, those guys still have to go out and play me every night, Zeller said. Most athletes refuse to admit they pay attention to the media, though many do. Zeller, however, is believable saying he ignores everything. I dont even know what awards Im up for, I dont read anything, he said. I just stay away from it. Zeller, who is among 20 mens and womens basketball student-athletes up for the Lowes Senior CLASS Award, does hear some things, though. He cant avoid some trickle-down stuff, including that soft tag. Every once in a while Ill hear something, but being soft is something people have told me all the time, for the most part, he said. I dont believe that, myself, but at the same time they can believe what they want. The Indiana native says being 7 feet is part of it. Whenever bigs lose the ball in the paint theyre often called weak or soft. Zeller occasionally brings the ball down too low, which can lead to problems. But his recent play suggests hes just not soft, hes been developing. Zellers rebound numbers are up more than two a game from last season, when he had just six double-digit rebound games. Hes already at 11 this season, including 10 in Carolinas last 13 contests. Among them was a 17-board effort in a rout of rival N.C. State. He cites several reasons for the increased production, including a desire to reach double figure rebounds after finishing with nine eight times last season. Some of it is just you get older, you get more experience, you get better at doing what you do, said Zeller, who is averaging 14.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest. And rebounding is something I had to change a little bit. I try to stay in (battle) a little longer, and it is something Ive been working on. The business administration major is also getting more shots to the rim than a year ago and even earlier in this campaign. Too many of his attempts around the basket previously resulted in a pair of free throws when contact was made, but increased aggressiveness exploding to the basket has led to more plus-ones. Maybe not enough people are paying attention. But those who play against Zeller know him best, not the media or the fans. Hes really tough to play, said N.C. States Richard Howell. Hes not just long, hes strong and aggressive. UNC teammate and fellow big John Henson has battled Zeller probably more than anyone. No, hes not soft, that is just wrong that some people say that, he said. He is strong, bangs, and just look at what he does for us. Hes a great player. Zeller doesnt need anyone else doing his talking, and he truly doesnt care what the masses think. Hes an honor student, a strong man of faith and has many other interests outside of basketball. He said last year hed miss the sport if it was taken away, but hed still have a life outside of basketball. Among his goals, along with brothers Cody, a freshman at Indiana, and Luke, a former starter at Notre Dame, Tyler wants to run a faith-based basketball camp some day. The camp for kids through high school age would focus on fundamentals and development but also teach leadership skills with an equal emphasis on faith and peoples roles in the community. They would run an alternative session that would tone down some of the outward Christianity, but it would still include signs on the walls and other messages that might prompt some campers to inquire about faith. Zeller will have a terrific platform to get that going after hes taken in the first round of the NBA draft this summer. But before then he has an ACC championship to try and win, and then another NCAA title, which will require toughness. Softness need not apply. If that happens, Zeller and fellow senior Justin Watts will be the only Tar Heels to have two national title rings as players. And thats a show topic Zeller might tune into.