The Indiana parents of NBA basketball players Cody, Luke, and Tyler Zeller are writing a book full of lessons and stories about parenthood.
Steve and Lorri Zeller's youngest son, Cody, played for Indiana University and now plays professionally for the Charlotte Hornets. Luke, who played for the Pheonix Suns last year, now plays for the Austin Toros of the NBA D-League. Tyler is a member of the Boston Celtics.
Steve says the family lived in Iowa, California, and Minnesota before settling down in Indiana.
"We really believe that the good Lord brought us to Indiana, because we would have stayed in Minnesota," Steve said. "I think three 7-foot hockey players would have been unusual as well, but I don't think they would have been nearly as good as they are with basketball."
Lorri says parents often asked them if they would consider writing a book as the three brothers found success on and off the court.
She says she and Steve have learned a lot watching how other parents treat their athletic children.
"Sometimes it was really disheartening to see the pressure some kids were put on, to not only succeed but to excel. So we really want to put it into perspective, that you've got to value your children for who they are as a person, not for their athletic achievement," Lorri said.
The book begins with the relationship Steve had with his father, and ends with the story of Steve's recent heart surgery, and the strengthened bond it created between him and his son Luke.
The Zellers plan to release the book in February, and to offer pre-orders this December. Their publisher is the Christian publication Sports Spectrum Magazine – where their co-author also works.