Trey Zeigler could be a Mount Pleasant hero if he plays for CMU
One big story going unnoticed by many at Central Michigan University is the future of Trey Zeigler.
Zeigler, the son of CMU men’s basketball coach Ernie Zeigler, wrapped up his senior season at Mount Pleasant High School earlier this semester ranked among the top prospects in the country.
He averaged 24 points, 10.5 rebounds, four assists and two steals as a shooting guard this year and was pegged No. 30 overall by ESPN.
Big-time basketball schools such as Michigan, Michigan State, Arizona State and UCLA have big interest in Trey.
Even Duke, which just won the national championship, reportedly expressed interest.
One other school, however, remains in the mix — Central Michigan, primarily because of Trey’s father and the proximity to home.
Obviously, it is Trey’s decision.
Going to a bigger school means being in the national scope, playing other top teams in the country and the opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament year after year.
There is more tradition, more history and more attention to be had at any of those schools.
But CMU has to be a promising prospect.
Think of what would happen if the No. 30 player in the country played for the Chippewas.
The men’s basketball program would instantly be revitalized, creating an excitement unseen since Chris Kaman, now the starting center of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, led the team to a Mid-American Conference championship in 2003.
Trey has the potential to be the poster boy for CMU athletics, much like quarterback Dan LeFevour was for the football team the last four years.
He also would get to play in a revamped CMU Events Center, which will be complete in time for basketball season.
On a slightly wider scope, the impact on Mount Pleasant business would be tremendous.
The football team has done its part in bringing thousands to Mount Pleasant every home game — translate that sort of excitement to the winter months.
And it is not as if Trey wouldn’t receive national attention in Mount Pleasant.
Kaman and Dan Majerle, a three-time All-Star with the Phoenix Suns in the early 1990s, were both drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft. Neither had the high school credentials Zeigler has.
In short, Trey could be the Mount Pleasant hero — at least while he’s here (college basketball players can declare for the NBA Draft at any time).
Of course, the possibility of the No. 30 player in the country staying in Mount Pleasant is not exactly likely.
But we hope Trey gives strong consideration to playing for his father at Central.
There are benefits to be had at CMU despite its status among the upper echelon of men’s basketball programs.
