Senior Week- Luke Zeller

I'll use the space between games to honor our senior class this week.

Luke Zeller came into ND as one of the most heralded recruits in recent history. A four star recruit, Zeller made news by winning the Indiana state championship for Washington High School with a halfcourt three pointer at the buzzer. He won Indiana's Mr. Basketball award (over this guy) and demonstrated a killer three point shot to go with a big body.

Unfortunately, Luke never developed into the big man we really needed. His perimeter game remained solid, but he became known as a small forward in a center's body. Averaging 16.0 minutes a game in his senior season (the highest average of his career), Zeller has scored 5.5 points and grabbed 3.3 rebounds per contest so far this year. However, his shooting percentages have dropped and his sophomore year (in which he averaged just 12.4 minutes per game) will remain his most efficient.

Even with his struggles to develop into a star at the collegiate level, Zeller remains a hard worker and good teammate. His solid post defense undoubtedly helped junior Luke Harangody develop his game against taller opponents. In the end, Zeller's biggest contribution to Notre Dame may be landing more athletic brother Cody as an ND recruit. The still-undecided Cody Zeller graduates high school in 2011.

Thanks for your hard work, Luke. Though better development was expected on both sides, you never stopped working for your alma mater. Good luck in the future.

Off the Bench

#41 Tim Andree- 6-8 / 210, Colts Neck, NJ-

Andree enters his second season as a walkon. Last year he played in five games, making one of the two shots he attempted. Dad Tim played under Digger Phelps from '79-83. Was born in Tokyo, Japan.

#20 Jonathan Peoples- 6-3 / 215, Bellwood, IL-

Peoples was a steady hand off the bench last year for the Irish and should serve the same role this year. With McAlarney out during the Big East schedule, Peoples gave Coach Brey some quality minutes when Tory Jackson needed a breather. A three-star recruit, Notre Dame beat out Northwestern to land him two years ago.

Jonathan played in 26 contests last season, averaging 6.4 minutes a game. He should get about the same amount of action, since both K-Mac and Tory can play the point. While Peoples can play shooting guard, Coach Brey is more likely to have Ryan Ayers or others fill in when either McAlarney or Jackson is on the bench.

#40 Luke Zeller- 6-10 / 239, Washington, IN-

Luke entered the program as a heavily recruited prep star. Indiana Mr. Basketball and McDonald's All-American, Zeller was a four-star recruit out of high school. He also received scholarship offers from Stanford, Kansas, Illinois, and Missouri. Needless to say, there were some high expectations for Mr. Zeller. Entering his junior season, Luke has yet to add a effective inside game with his strong outside shooting.

Last year, he started the first 16 games and played in all 32, averaging 3.8 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12.4 minutes a game. He will be the main substitute for Luke Harangody and Rob Kurz down low. If this year's version of Zeller (an inch shorter and somewhat more agile) can contribute steady minutes off the bench, the Irish will be ok. With two very good starters, all we need from Luke is a guy off the bench who can get rebounds and still threaten the defense inside. He has the talent, now is the time to become a legit Big East forward.

Tomorrow I will focus a little more on our key players, starting with 6th man Zach Hillesland.