Zakai Zeigler’s Chance To Respond
It would be an unhappy way to end Zakai Zeigler’s season the previous year. Zeigler had a terrible non-contact injury in the Vols’ final home game versus Arkansas, which would ultimately result in an ACL tear and ruin his 2022–2023 season.
Despite losing the game 75-57, the Volunteers would not have their explosive point guard for the rest of the campaign. In spite of the difficult conclusion, Zeigler performed admirably in Rocky Top’s second season. In the end, he averaged 11 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per contest. The 15 starts he made in 2022–2023 over the previous season helped him improve these stats from his freshman year.
The Long Island native’s accomplishment of leading the SEC in assists the previous season played a significant role in gaining attention. In terms of steals, he was among the top five in the league, demonstrating his progress as a defender. He undoubtedly made progress in every facet of the game during his second Tennessee season. What can we anticipate from him specifically when he takes the court again in 2023–2024? Without a doubt, the sky is the limit. Zeigler is surrounded by a large population of youthful, in-transfer students and freshman from other universities. As such, he is this core’s leader.
He also is one of the players who has been around the program for a long time. Zeigler can pave the way for these new faces that will see the floor a lot for Tennessee this year. A stat leader in the SEC and a leader now of a different-looking team provides a challenge and an intriguing look at just what Zeigler can do this upcoming season.
