Tennessee Volunteers’ senior point guard, Zakai Zeigler, has etched his name into the annals of college basketball history with a series of record-breaking performances during the 2024-2025 season.

Tennessee Volunteers’ senior point guard, Zakai Zeigler, has etched his name into the annals of college basketball history with a series of record-breaking performances during the 2024-2025 season.

Zeigler’s exceptional playmaking abilities culminated in him setting the Southeastern Conference (SEC) single-season assist record. He achieved this milestone by recording his 261st assist on a lob to teammate Felix Okpara during the first half of Tennessee’s Sweet 16 victory over Kentucky on March 28, 2025, surpassing the previous record set by Ole Miss guard Sean Tuohy in the 1979-80 season.

 

Earlier in the season, Zeigler had already rewritten Tennessee’s record books by breaking the program’s single-season assist record. He recorded his 228th assist during the SEC Tournament quarterfinals against Texas on March 14, 2025, overtaking the longstanding record of 227 set by Rodney Woods in the 1974-75 season.

 

Zeigler’s consistency and vision on the court also led him to become Tennessee’s all-time career assist leader. He achieved this feat with his second assist in the NCAA Tournament first-round game against Wofford, bringing his career total to 716 assists and surpassing Johnny Darden’s record of 715, which had stood since 1979.

 

Beyond his offensive contributions, Zeigler’s defensive prowess has been equally noteworthy. He is a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award, recognizing the nation’s top point guard, and has been instrumental in leading Tennessee’s defense throughout the season. His leadership on both ends of the court has been pivotal in propelling the Volunteers to the brink of their first Final Four appearance, challenging the program’s historical narrative of postseason shortcomings.

 

Zeigler’s remarkable achievements have not only earned him All-SEC and All-American honors but have also solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in Tennessee basketball history. His record-breaking season has elevated the Volunteers’ national profile, firmly placing Tennessee basketball on the map as a formidable force in college basketball.