Noah Vonleh vs. Cody Zeller bad game comparison

[mdn82 25,510]

Until the day Noah Vonleh declares for the NBA draft, he will be compared to Cody Zeller.  Not only play on the court, but his meaning to our program's future.  Cody of course meant the world to our program for 2 years and beyond.  He has been a program changer from the day he committed.  It was interesting taking a look at his game logs as a freshman.  It felt like taking a time machine to a time that was glorious when we were living it.

 

I came across his first "bad" game and remember it like it was yesterday.  I am going to take some of you on that trip with me.  MSU, on the road.  Nix was the behemoth that held Zeller in check.  He beat Zeller up that day.  To that point he had been for the most part the talk of college basketball.  Zeller ended that game with as many questions as points in 4.  People wondered how he would respond, and whether he could play on the block in the B1G.  As you all know, he followed up that "bad" game with 14 big points against OSU at home in a win.  Then, followed that up with 18 points in a win against UM.  

 

Noah Vonleh to this point has been an absolute beast.  He did things in his first 5 games Zeller never came close to or any other Hoosier in our lifetime.  Then, in his 6th game he again did something Zeller never came close to.  Unfortunately for us, it was bad, on an epic scale for a top player.  For all of their comparisons and similarities they are very different players.  Zeller was noted for his temperament and composure.  Many had tried his Freshman year to take him out of his game, yet they couldn't.  Noah Vonleh was as far out of a game as one player could be.  Let alone a star player.  

 

The upcoming days, weeks, and months will tell the story of Noah Vonleh.  Much like the games after MSU told the story of Cody Zeller.  Vonleh is a special player.  It isn't hard to recognize that talent.  One thing is certain after UConn is they completely nullified him.  Tom Crean will need to work with him mentally to ensure his star player isn't taken out of the game mentally by the opponent.  This is one area having a player of the mold of a Zeller for Crean will no doubt continue to benefit his program.  

[OliviaPope40 6,552]

Did you really have to take me down memory lane with the MSU game at home. 

[mdn82 25,510]

Did you really have to take me down memory lane with the MSU game at home. 

 

Yes, and it was at East Lansing.  Cody played much better later in that year, and the following year.  Not too many players have the record against Izzo that Cody had.  That game was the turning point in his individual season.  He seemed to take it to another level after that game.  I hope Noah Vonleh does the same for us this year.  That was my reasoning for the comparison.  

[OliviaPope40 6,552]

Yes, and it was at East Lansing.  Cody played much better later in that year, and the following year.  Not too many players have the record against Izzo that Cody had.  That game was the turning point in his individual season.  He seemed to take it to another level after that game.  I hope Noah Vonleh does the same for us this year.  That was my reasoning for the comparison.  

Why did I think it was at home?

Edited November 23, 2013 by OliviaPope40

[All_Hoosiers 873]

I think the only thing that can take Vonleh out of a game is foul trouble. You could overpower Cody and push him around. Ain't no one overpowering or pushing Vonleh around.


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[IU Hoosier41 14,465]

I think the major difference between that game and this game, is Cody actually played and was completely ineffective.  Noah took himself out of the game with fouls every time he entered the game.  His minutes were ridiculous.  I understand sitting him with two fouls, but when he came in and picked up his 3rd, I thought Crean should have kept him in.  Let Noah get in a rhythm and play a little bit before instantly taking him back out of the game.  A learning experience for sure, too bad we couldn't come out on top.

 

I have a feeling Noah is going to come back STRONG from this game.  Similar to how Cody did after MSU. 

[All_Hoosiers 873]

Bad game, and I'll still take Vonleh over Zeller.


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[mdn82 25,510]

I think the major difference between that game and this game, is Cody actually played and was completely ineffective.  Noah took himself out of the game with fouls every time he entered the game.  His minutes were ridiculous.  I understand sitting him with two fouls, but when he came in and picked up his 3rd, I thought Crean should have kept him in.  Let Noah get in a rhythm and play a little bit before instantly taking him back out of the game.  A learning experience for sure, too bad we couldn't come out on top.

 

I have a feeling Noah is going to come back STRONG from this game.  Similar to how Cody did after MSU. 

 

I honestly never thought of that.  I can definitely see how and why some would feel Crean took any chance of rhythm away from Noah.  

[mdn82 25,510]

Bad game, and I'll still take Vonleh over Zeller.


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I think Cody was perfect for the team he was on, and Noah is equally perfect for the team we have if that makes sense.  

[All_Hoosiers 873]

I think Cody was perfect for the team he was on, and Noah is equally perfect for the team we have if that makes sense.  

 

I'll agree. Cody was perfect for his role in rebuilding Indiana basketball, while Vonleh is perfect for his role in reloading Indiana basketball.

[Hwy 1 2,053]

I'm not really sure you could say that UConn took Noah out of the game. I think that was all on himself. He'll learn from it and get better. This team is so young that these things will happen. Might as well get used to it.

[Stuhoo 81,397]

Bad game, and I'll still take Vonleh over Zeller.


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I'll take 'em both

[mr wing 69]

Noah will be fine atleast this bad game came early in the season and he will rebound with a vengeance! Please don't count him out remember he has a lot of skills and is young bonley is still a beast and will be around for a long time the only reason cody is gone is because he received and earned his diploma if he did not accomplish that amazing feat in 2 years cody would still be an active hoosier!

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[mdn82 25,510]

Noah will be fine atleast this bad game came early in the season and he will rebound with a vengeance! Please don't count him out remember he has a lot of skills and is young bonley is still a beast and will be around for a long time the only reason cody is gone is because he received and earned his diploma if he did not accomplish that amazing feat in 2 years cody would still be an active hoosier!

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Actually, Cody hasn't received his degree yet.  About 30 credits short.  Very close, and will be able to accomplish that feat with work over the summer or two.  It was very helpful he was able to apply credits in High School to IU.  Noah at best will be around the same length as Cody.  Still hoping for the 2nd year.  With this stacked upcoming draft our odds are better than on a normal year.  I wouldn't expect a 3rd year.  

[All_Hoosiers 873]

Odds are Cody would've had to stay for a fourth year if he didn't leave after last season. The 2014 draft is just so stacked. Imagine if he and Vonleh could've played together as Hoosiers.

[OliviaPope40 6,552]

Actually, Cody hasn't received his degree yet.  About 30 credits short.  Very close, and will be able to accomplish that feat with work over the summer or two.  It was very helpful he was able to apply credits in High School to IU.  Noah at best will be around the same length as Cody.  Still hoping for the 2nd year.  With this stacked upcoming draft our odds are better than on a normal year.  I wouldn't expect a 3rd year.  

I thought I heard he was 35 credits short.