Rick Barnes evaluates how Tennessee is learning to win without Zakai Zeigler

The loss of Zakai Zeigler felt like it put a ceiling on what Tennessee could be. The sophomore point guard was a key playmaker and defender for the Volunteers while also being a heartbeat for the program. Still, Rick Barnes believes that, over their three games without him, his team is learning how to play again.

Barnes pointed out some things Tennessee did wrong without Zeigler down the stretch of their SEC Tournament loss to Missouri. However, he thinks they were good lessons for the Vols to continue to learn considering how short-handed their team has been as of late.

“The biggest thing is, again, in our last game? We had two breakdowns with details in the last three minutes that were critical,” said Barnes. “We went under a ball screen, which we don’t do, and then we point-switched and gave up two threes. They made the shots and they were contested. But, at this time of the year, I don’t think many players need much daylight.”

“But, overall, I think our guys know what we have to do,” Barnes explained. “We know with what we’ve had to work through? We’ve been in really every game and had a chance to win it. You’ve just got to find a way to close some of them out.”

Zeigler accounted for a lot of production for Tennessee’s team on both ends. In 30 games, Zeigler is second on in scoring (10.7) and is first in assists (5.4) and steals (2.0). Now, after tearing his ACL against Arkansas, Tennessee has very obviously missed his presence as they’re 1-2 in their trio of games so far without him.

Still, that’s how it’s going to be for them moving forward with Zeigler lost for the season. That’s why Barnes is happy his team had three opportunities to get a feel without him because, starting on Thursday night against Louisiana, it’s win or go home from that point on.