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UNC Women’s Basketball: Can Alexandra Zelaya push for bigger role?

By Nick Delahanty

Mar 25, 2022; Greensboro, NC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Victaria Saxton (5) battles for position against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Alexandra Zelaya (0) in the third quarter in the Greensboro regional semifinals of the women's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2022; Greensboro, NC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Victaria Saxton (5) battles for position against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Alexandra Zelaya (0) in the third quarter in the Greensboro regional semifinals of the women's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Heading into her junior season, can Alexandra Zelaya earn a bigger role within the UNC women’s basketball regular rotation?

Over her first two seasons with the UNC women’s basketball program, Alexandra Zelaya has increased both her playing time and production.

Heading into her junior season, the Goodyear, Arizona native looks to make an even bigger impact for the Tar Heels.

With North Carolina returning a majority of its regular players, this may be difficult, but it isn’t out of the question to say that Zelaya’s role will increase this season.

2021-2022 Season

As a reserve, Zelaya made appearances in 28 of the Tar Heels’ 32 contests. The 6-foot-4 forward averaged 1.8 points and 2.1 rebounds per game in 10.4 minutes per contest.

Arguably her best performance came in the Sweet 16, as she recorded a career-high 21 points while making four of her six shot attempts. Although the Tar Heels came up short, it was a performance that Zelaya will look to follow up this season.

What to Expect in 2022-2023

With Carlie Littlefield’s departure, there will be some extra minutes to spread around the Tar Heels’ regular rotation. Zelaya is a player who could benefit from the extra minutes, as we could see her playing time increase, continuing the trend we’ve seen so far throughout her career.

For Zelaya, her playing time will depend on how well she scores the basketball. If she can increase her shooting percentage, it will help her find some more time on the court.

Bold Prediction

After shooting just 27.5% last season (including making just three of 29 three-point field goal attempts), I’m going to say that we’ll see Zelaya shoot the ball at a higher level this season.

With her two years of experience, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that she becomes an important part of the team’s rotation before the season ends.

I’ll say this: If she can shoot the ball at a 35% clip, you’ll be seeing a lot more of Alexandra Zelaya on the court for the UNC women’s basketball program.

Check out our previously released 2022-2023 UNC women’s basketball player previews below:

Paulina Paris | Teonni Key | Kayla McPherson

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