Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL, the school announced Wednesday, March 1.
Zeigler exited his team’s Feb. 28 win against Arkansas after landing awkwardly on his left knee following a baseline drive just three minutes into the game. He needed to be helped off the court and was ruled out for the rest of the contest.
The starting point guard was a huge piece of a Volunteers squad with national title aspirations, as they rank third in the NET and 12th in the AP rankings. A Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist, Zeigler was averaging 10.7 points, an SEC-high 5.4 assists and 2 steals per game. He also tied the program record for the most points-plus-assists double-doubles with five this season.
one thing we know for sure— there is no keeping Zakai Zeigler down
praying for a speedy recovery, Z 🧡 pic.twitter.com/6SB3hujSje
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) March 1, 2023
“The Tennessee basketball family joins all of Vol Nation in lifting up Zakai with love and support,” the school said in a statement posted to social media. “We know — beyond all doubt — that Zakai will use this challenge to author an inspiring comeback story. He’ll have our boundless backing every step of the way.”
The Vols, 22-8 overall and 11-6 in the SEC, have dealt with several injuries over the course of this season. Josiah-Jordan James has missed 12 games, while fellow starters Julian Phillips and Santiago Vescovi have missed four and three games, respectively. Tyreke Key also missed the past two games with a right ankle injury.
According to ESPN’s Joe Lunardi’s latest bracketology, the No. 12 Volunteers are a three-seed in the NCAA tournament, although missing Zeigler is certainly a huge blow. In his place, Vescovi and sophomore Jahmai Mashack will take over ball-handling duties, with the former averaging 12.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game in his final year. Mashack, on the other hand, is averaging 7.8 points, 3.0 assists and 2.6 steals over the last five games after being thrust into the starting lineup due to injuries.
It’s all apart of God’s plan. Minor setback for a Major comeback🙏🏽🧡
— Zakai Zeigler (@Realzakaiz) March 1, 2023
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