Tennessee basketball welcomed an ole friend back to Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center on Tuesday night during its 105-54 win over South Carolina State. During the first media timeout, the Vols honored former point guard Zakai Zeigler.
The crowd was sparse though overall solid given the Music City Bowl was going on at the same time. Those in attendance gave Zeigler a warm and rowdy applause while Zeigler high fived a young fan and reciprocated the love.
A rowdy reception for Tennessee all-time assist leader Zakai Zeigler. pic.twitter.com/dmnDH0PyZZ
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) December 31, 2025
Zeigler wrapped up a storied Tennessee career last season. A three-time All-SEC selection and two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Zeigler finished his career as Tennessee’s all-time assist and steals leader. He also holds the record for the most assists in a single-season in program history.
The 5-foot-9 point guard also broke the SEC single-season assist record with 261 during his senior season in Knoxville.
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Zeigler currently plays professionally in France for Nanterre 92. The team plays in the top-level professional basketball league in the country. The organization has rostered the likes of Victor Wembanyama, Evan Fournier and Frank Jackson in the past. Nanterre 92 is going on 98 years of being an organization. They have gone under the current name since 2016 and were previously JSF Nanterre.
The New York native also had a stint with the Detroit Pistons of the NBA in the Summer League. He averaged nine points per game to go with three assists and 0.8 steals per outing. His finest game came against the Heat, where he produced 15 points and four assists. He also managed a six-point, five-assist game to go with a steal against the Spurs. He was teamed up with his Vols’ backcourt partner, Chaz Lanier, on the Pistons for this stretch.
Tennessee rolled past South Carolina State including a dominant 64-29 second half. Transfer point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie led the way with 21 points and eight assists while Nate Ament, Amari Evans, Jaylen Carey and JP Estrella all scored in double figures.
