Zuby is an amazing leader and player. I fully expect him to again extend possessions with his O rebounding ability. I suspect via hard work in off season he will also improve his mid range jumpers. I don’t want him shooting too many threes since we have ample fire power there.
As great as Zuby is, another area of improvement would be upping his D rebounding game to get our running game going w our athletic cadre of new players. I also fully expect Mitchell to help clear the boards defensively, as well as B Hop if fully healthy. Nothing like getting easy buckets on the break and D rebounding improvement is key to doing that.
Now I love Zuby and as you know was a very early booster to his ceiling. I do think the hype right now is way ahead of his development as a player.
The positives athletically are apparent - great motor, runs the court well, tremendous effort on the court, and puts in the time to improve his game.
I don't see him, though, as a dominant offensive player. Last season probably 2/3 of his points came from drive and dish from teammates, great entry passes to find him wide open underneath, or putbacks of misses by RJ who drew a crowd. As a post up player he became very competent, but not a guy who defenses would fear everytime he posts up. As an outside shooter is no more than a "keep them honest" weapon, not a guy dangerous from everywhere.
On defense held his own against big men, but not dominant on man defender. However, in the Pitino schema of high pressure, run down the shot clock, switching defense, Zuby is a rare big who can switch to a guard and contain him, then switch back to a big without getting lost.
Accolades given to him are fair given his overall season, but these things must occur for him in 25-26: 1) teammates who are unselfish and deft passers , and 2) similar improvement offensively as a post up and mid range shooter. 3) improved defensive rebounding 4) continued defensive improvement as a stopper in the paint
If these things occur, will hear his name in the mid to late first round of nba draft. I wouldn't bet against it but he's not there yet.