Cody Zeller Picks Indiana over UNC, Butler

The Hoosiers have a big win and the season hasn't even started yet.

Prep standout Cody Zeller announced Thursday that he's staying home to play for Indiana and coach Tom Crean.

"Growing up in Indiana, I think it will mean a lot for me playing in this state," said Zeller, who is ranked among the top 20 players in the nation.

The 6-10 senior at southern Indiana's Washington High School had narrowed his choices to Indiana, Butler and North Carolina. He announced his decision at his high school gym.

Zeller and his two older brothers each won state championships with the Hatchets. Indiana tried to recruit Zeller's brothers, but Luke Zeller played at Notre Dame and Tyler Zeller plays at North Carolina.

Zeller is rated 20th nationally by Rivals.com, CBSSports.com's Gary Parrish reports. He is IU's second commitment from the Class of 2011. The other is Austin Etherington, a 6-5 wing from Arcadia, Ind.

Cody Zeller said he hopes to help the Hoosiers improve the program, which went 10-21 last year and hasn't had a winning season since 2007-08. He said Crean told him he could make a big difference.

"I'll have a part in it even my freshman year," said Zeller, who expects to play forward. "I can be one of the guys who can help them rebuild."

Zeller said he talked to people close to him about his college options and realized Indiana "was the best thing for me."

He said academics at IU were also important.

"You can't play basketball your whole life," he said.