Wed Jan 29 00:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Tennessee Basketball Coach Credits Senior Guard Zeigler for Keeping Him Motivated

**Knoxville, TN** – Tennessee Volunteers basketball coach Rick Barnes has publicly credited senior guard Zakai Zeigler for his continued passion for coaching. During the Big Orange Tipoff, Barnes expressed his deep appreciation for Zeigler, stating that the point guard’s impact on the program is immeasurable and that he’s unsure if he’d still be coaching without him.

Zeigler, a four-year starter, has been instrumental in Tennessee’s recent success, which includes an SEC Tournament win, a Sweet 16 appearance, an SEC regular season championship, and an Elite Eight appearance. This season, he’s averaging 12.2 points, 7.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game.

Barnes, known for his demanding coaching style, described Zeigler as his “security blanket” and emphasized the positive impact the player has on the team’s practice environment, making it enjoyable and energizing. The coach’s comments hint at his potential retirement if Zeigler departs after this season.

Zeigler’s future remains uncertain, as he’s a senior and the NCAA’s potential rule change granting athletes an extra year of eligibility is still pending. If the rule change doesn’t pass in time, Zeigler would likely move on to professional basketball.

Tennessee’s next game is a highly anticipated matchup against No. 1 Auburn on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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