It only took 13 games into his college career for Rick Barnes to label Tennessee point guard Zakai Zeigler one of Tennessee’s most consistent players.
The true freshman from the Bronx in New York City is supposed to be a senior in high school. Zeigler instead decided to reclassify and enroll at Tennessee a year early despite the Vols signing the top point guard in the country in Kennedy Chandler.
“He has surprised us all,” Barnes said this week. “He came in here a week late and it is just amazing what he’s been able to do, understanding things.
“I remember when we were getting ready to play Villanova and I said to him after practice, ‘I’m not sure you’re going to be able to play in this game.’ He said, ‘What do you mean?’ He’s got that deep voice. I said, ‘Well, these guys like to back guards down and jump over them.’ He said, ‘Coach, nobody is going to back me down.’”
That mentality is what has allowed Zeigler to have an instant impact.
Coming off the bench this season, he’s averaging 6.9 points per game, 2.7 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals. Zeigler made his first career start in the conference opener against Alabama on the road in Tuscaloosa.
“He has a short memory,” Barnes said. “If he turns it over, he’ll say, ‘I’ll get it back. I know. I get it.’ He’s learning. Think about it, he’s never been in the environment he’s been in this year and I’d say he has responded as well as anybody that we have. He believes in himself. He believes in what he does to get ready. It’s in his DNA.
“I’ve told you guys before during the recruiting process, when I would call him, I could hear he was on the subway or the train going somewhere. He’s the first guy in years that when I asked if he was playing indoors or outdoors that day, he would say, ‘I’m outdoors tonight.’ I came in here Sunday on a day off and he was in here shooting.”
Zeigler’s latest positive impression came in Tennessee’s 66-60 win over Ole Miss in overtime on Wednesday. He scored eight points, grabbed five rebounds, tallied five steals and assisted on three buckets.
The 5-foot-9 guard also chipped in with Santiago Vescovi to hit clutch shots. Zeigler was just 2-for-8 from three on the night, but his first made three came when the Vols were down by five with 6:20 remaining. He made his second three when Tennessee was down by one at the beginning of overtime.
“The two guys that play like they do everyday in practice are (Santiago Vescovi) and Zakai,” Barnes. “They’re the two guys that are the most consistent guys on our team. They’re in elite shape. They bring it everyday.”
"After the first practice I figured (Zeigler) was going to play," junior forward Olivier Nkamhoua added. "He brings grit. He's like Santi. Those two guys could be considered the heart and soul of our team."
Zeigler has proven to be unfazed by the big moments. He credits his mother for the mentality she instilled in him.
“At a young age, she told me to not depend on people, but remember that I’ve always got myself no matter what,” Zeigler said. “I know personally nobody is going to punk me. You’re going to have to physically beat me. And that’s not going to happen.”
As for missing out on his senior year of high school, Zeigler has no regrets.
“I love the decision that I made,” Zeigler said. “I call my high school coaches all the time and tell them I’m glad I’m here right now. I feel like if I was still in high school I wouldn’t know the things I know now at the college standpoint even if I watched film. Me being here early getting to learn all the things I’ve learned so far, I love the decision. It’s been great.”
Tennessee is back in action on Saturday evening when it travels to Baton Rouge to take on No. 21 LSU. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on ESPN.
