UNC's Tyler Zeller Out For the Season

    
November 20th, 2008 by Matthew Ryter
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The Story: North Carolina Freshman Tyler Zeller is likely out for the season after fracturing his left wrist attempting a dunk in a win over Kentucky. Zeller underwent surgery at UNC Hospitals to repair his broken left radius and ulna. Dr. Don Bynum, who performed the surgery, deemed it as successful and expects Zeller to make a full recovery. The normal recovery time for this injury is 12 to 16 weeks. Coach Roy Williams called it "another big blow for our team." The Tarheels are also awaiting the return of Tyler Hansbrough, who hasn't played the first two games due to a stress fracture in his right shin, and Marcus Ginyard, with a stress fracture in his left foot. Zeller suffered the injury when he was fouled by Kentucky's Ramon Harris while attempting a breakaway dunk. He fell awkwardly on his left wrist and was immediately taken into the locker room.  With Hansbrough and Zeller out due to injuries Deon Thompson and Ed Davis will start in the frontcourt for UNC.

 

 

Ryter's Block: Since Zeller's injury has occurred only two games into North Carolina's season, he will likely be allowed to redshirt this season. The Tarheels lose some depth in their frontcourt but it won't be a factor as the season plays out. Hansbrough, once he is 100 percent, will return to player of the year form, Deon Thompson seems as if he is playing with something to prove, and freshman Ed Davis has contributed nicely with 24 rebounds in two games. This team is still the best team in the country. There has been some debate on whether the foul by Ramon Harris was "dirty." After watching many replays of the encounter I saw that Harris was going for the ball and he had no intention of hurting Zeller. The Zeller family was looking forward to next week with the potential matchup of Notre Dame vs. UNC in Maui. Tyler's older brother, Luke, plays for the Irish.

 

Matthew Ryter keeps you up to date on the world of college basketball with his "Ryter's Block" column.  What do you think about this story? Post your comments below:

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