UNC Women’s Basketball: A veteran who provides quality depth
Our UNC women’s basketball player previews continue with Alexandra Zelaya, a senior who will continue to provide veteran depth.
Good basketball teams have a solid rotation of anywhere from six to eight players.
Great teams feature depth that travels through the entire roster.
That’s the case for Courtney Banghart and the UNC women’s basketball program this season, as they feature a very talented roster full of quality student-athletes.
One of them is senior Alexandra Zelaya, who is part of that heavily talked about recruiting class that has helped Banghart take this program to the next level.
In her time at North Carolina, Zelaya has been a steady contributor in a reserve role. That role isn’t expected to change this season, but the value she brings to the table can’t be underestimated.
2022-2023 Season in Review
As a junior, Zelaya appeared in 26 games, making three starts. She averaged 1.4 points and 1.3 rebounds per game, as she ended the season being named to the All-ACC Academic Team.
Her best scoring output came on February 2 against Virginia, as she knocked down two of three shots en route to six points in the victory. She set a career-high in rebounds (seven) against South Carolina State and tallied a career-best five assists and two steals against Boston College during ACC play.
What to expect in 2023-2024
The Tar Heels have added depth, especially in the frontcourt, which could make it difficult to earn minutes for any of the players on the roster.
For Zelaya, her role should stay somewhat the same. Expect her to play anywhere from eight to ten minutes per contest, providing some quality minutes when the likes of Maria Gakdeng and Anya Poole need a breather.
She’s not a player who will fill up the stat sheet, but she will find a way to make winning plays to help the team succeed.
Bold Prediction
Three.
Zelaya has been very consistent in the number of three-pointers she’s made in each of her three seasons with the UNC women’s basketball program.
The senior has knocked down three field goals each season, bringing her career total to 9. This year, Zelaya is going to surpass that number, and we’re going to say she at least doubles it!
Alexandra Zelaya will knock down six or more three-pointers this season. Put it in the books!
The UNC Women's Basketball senior who does it all. dark. Next
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