Rick Barnes Praises Zakai Zeigler’s Relentless Drive to Lead Tennessee
The Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team found themselves on the brink of consecutive losses during a hard-fought battle against Texas. With one of their key players, Chaz Lanier, struggling offensively, head coach Rick Barnes turned to Zakai Zeigler to step up when it mattered most.
Zeigler answered the call in spectacular fashion, scoring a team-high 16 points and propelling the Vols to a thrilling 74-70 victory over the Longhorns. His energy and determination were on full display, not just in his performance but in the passion he exuded after the final buzzer.
Though Zeigler may not receive widespread attention for his offensive flashiness, Barnes fully understands and appreciates the grit, work ethic, and heart his point guard brings to the team. Following the game, Barnes shared a powerful sentiment about what makes Zeigler such a unique and invaluable player.
Barnes on Zeigler: “He’s Fearless”
“First and foremost, he’s fearless,” Barnes said during his postgame remarks, per 247Sports. “After the Florida game the other night, I tried to take him out, but he wouldn’t come out. He said, ‘Coach, I’m not quitting.’ We were down by 30, but that didn’t matter to him. He’s so hard on himself because he wants to get everything right. That kind of mentality sometimes works against him, but it’s also what makes him special.”
Barnes went on to explain that Zeigler’s tenacity is deeply rooted in his upbringing. “Nobody in that locker room grew up the way Zakai Zeigler did,” he added. “That fight, that DNA—it’s who he is. If I could bottle it, I would. The first time I saw him play, he was the same way. What you see from him in games is what he brings to practice every single day.”
Barnes also emphasized how essential Zeigler’s mentality is to the team’s culture. Even in a lopsided loss to Florida, Zeigler refused to quit, demonstrating the type of leadership and resolve that inspires those around him.
Zeigler’s Impact Against Texas
Against Texas, with the game hanging in the balance, Zeigler didn’t just show up—he shined. His clutch performance not only helped Tennessee secure their 15th win of the season but also highlighted his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. This season, Zeigler has been a consistent contributor, averaging 11.9 points and 7.6 assists per game, and his leadership is proving invaluable as the Vols navigate the challenging SEC schedule.
More Than Stats: Zeigler’s Intangibles Drive Tennessee
Zeigler’s contributions go beyond the stat sheet. His relentless drive, willingness to fight until the final whistle, and commitment to improvement embody the values Barnes instills in his program. While Tennessee’s season is far from over, Zeigler’s performance against Texas serves as a reminder of the resilience and heart this team possesses.
As the Vols prepare for the heart of conference play, they’ll continue to lean on Zeigler’s fearless leadership. Whether the team faces adversity or stands on the brink of triumph, one thing is certain—Zakai Zeigler will never back down.
