Zakai Zeigler is a distinguished American college basketball player who plays as a point guard for the University of Tennessee Volunteers in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Born on August 2, 2002, in Long Island, New York, he stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 171 pounds.
Early Life and Education
Zeigler attended Our Saviour Lutheran School in The Bronx, New York, after transferring from Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, New Jersey. In high school, he averaged 20.3 points and 4.6 assists per game. A three-star recruit, Zeigler committed to the University of Tennessee over offers from Minnesota, Boston College, and Wichita State.
College Career
Since joining the Tennessee Volunteers in 2021, Zeigler has made significant contributions to the team’s success:
- 2021-2022 Season: As a freshman, he averaged 8.8 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and earned a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team, becoming one of only four freshmen in SEC history to receive this honor.
- 2022-2023 Season: Zeigler’s sophomore year saw him increase his averages to 10.7 points and 5.4 assists per game. However, his season was cut short due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
- 2023-2024 Season: After recovering from his injury, Zeigler returned to the court and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game.
- 2024-2025 Season: Zeigler continued his impressive performance, averaging 13.7 points and 7.5 assists per game. He became Tennessee Basketball’s all-time assists leader, reaching 726 career assists to 26 different teammates.
Accolades
Throughout his college career, Zeigler has received numerous honors, including multiple All-SEC selections and SEC Defensive Player of the Year awards. In 2025, he earned third-team All-American honors from the Associated Press, United States Basketball Writers Association, National Association of Basketball Coaches, and Sports Illustrated.
Personal Life
Zeigler’s half-brother, Armoni, plays for the Saint Peter’s Peacocks men’s basketball team. The two faced each other in a memorable matchup during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, highlighting their family’s basketball legacy.
For a closer look at Zeigler’s recent performances, you might find this video insightful: