University of Tennessee senior guard Zakai Zeigler has been named the 2025 Men’s Basketball Player of the Year by the Tennessee Sportswriters Association, capping off a historic season that solidified his status as one of the premier players in college basketball.
Zeigler, a 5-foot-9 playmaker from Long Island, New York, led the Volunteers with averages of 13.1 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. He also recorded 58 steals during the regular season, anchoring a Tennessee defense that ranked first nationally in defensive efficiency and seventh in scoring defense .
His exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades, including the 2025 SEC Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Zeigler became the first player in SEC history to be named to the All-Defensive Team four times .
Offensively, Zeigler’s leadership and court vision were instrumental in Tennessee’s success. He led the SEC in assists per game for the second straight year, becoming one of only 10 players in league history to achieve this feat . His ability to control the game’s tempo and facilitate scoring opportunities made him a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, presented to the nation’s top point guard .
Zeigler’s impact extended beyond individual statistics. Under his guidance, the Volunteers secured a top-four seed in the SEC Tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament, marking one of the program’s most successful seasons in recent history.
Reflecting on Zeigler’s contributions, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes stated, “Zakai is special. He’s been the engine of our team, both offensively and defensively. His growth over the years has been remarkable, and he’s left an indelible mark on our program” .
With this latest honor from the Tennessee Sportswriters Association, Zeigler’s legacy as one of the Volunteers’ all-time greats is firmly cemented. As he looks ahead to potential professional opportunities, his collegiate career stands as a testament to dedication, resilience, and excellence on the court.
