Zakai Zeigler is a distinguished American basketball player who played as a point guard for the Tennessee Volunteers in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Born on August 2, 2002, in Long Island, New York, Zeigler attended Our Saviour Lutheran School in The Bronx before committing to Tennessee over offers from Minnesota, Boston College, and Wichita State.
Throughout his college career, Zeigler set multiple records and earned numerous accolades. He holds the Tennessee record for both assists (742) and steals (251), ranking third and co-ninth, respectively, on the SEC all-time list. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year twice (2024, 2025) and received First-team All-SEC honors in both 2024 and 2025.
In the 2024-2025 season, Zeigler averaged 13.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 40.4%. His performance was instrumental in Tennessee’s deep run in the NCAA Tournament, where they reached the Elite Eight before falling to Houston.
Off the court, Zeigler’s journey from Long Island to becoming a key player for the Volunteers has been inspiring. His resilience, especially after returning from a significant knee injury in the 2023 season, showcases his dedication and passion for the game.
For more insights into Zeigler’s impact and contributions, you might find the following video interview with him and his coach, Rick Barnes, insightful: