TV20 Sports Report

By: Erica Hall (TV20 Intern)

May 22, 2013- The NBA announces the wine and gold’s own Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller were selected to the 2012-13 NBA All-Rookie Teams, Waiters making the cut for the first team and Zeller making the second. The Cavs’ General Manager Chris Grant congratulated the guys and spoke on their superior performances this season stating, “They both worked very hard this year and we know they are focused on their continued improvement as well, not only individually, but for our growth as a team.”

The Cavaliers acquired Dion Waiters with the fourth pick in last summer’s draft after two solid years with Jim Boeheim and the Syracuse Orange. The sophomore guard proved himself as a player who could get to the rack and finish, as well as knock down jump shots despite his sometimes questionable shot selection. Waiters picked up right where he left off stepping onto the hardwood for the Cavs, averaging 14.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steal per contest this season, ranking him at just second for the rookie scoring title. “I’m honored to receive an award like this and it makes me hungry to keep working hard and focus on taking the next steps to improve my game,” said Waiters.

Tyler Zeller was selected a little later in the first round in the draft, but had just as much of an impact on the Cavs season this year averaging 7.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 26.4 minutes per game this year. He also shot a commendable 76 percent from the line, the second highest among all rookie centers. Zeller says, “My rookie year gave me a great opportunity to learn and grow and understand what it takes to be a pro, so this is a very nice honor…I’m excited to keep working and improving with my teammates because we know we can grow as a team next season and that’s the most important thing.”

I think we’re all excited to watch the young talent improve, along with looking forward to seeing what the Cavaliers will do with the number one pick in this summer’s draft. However things play out, I’m sure we all can look forward to another exciting season down at the Q!