Rick Barnes reveals health of Zakai Zeigler

The Tennessee Volunteers’ 5-foot-9 dynamo junior guard Zakai Zeigler was lost late in the 2022-2023 season after tearing his ACL against Arkansas in late February. It’s been just over eight months since he had surgery to repair the torn ligament.

On Monday, Zeigler made his return to the court as they took on the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles to start the season. It wasn’t his usual allotted minutes, but Zeigler made the most of his time on the court. Following the 80-42 win, Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes discussed the health of his junior guard and his feelings following the contest.

“He was good,” said Barnes. I asked him yesterday; yesterday was the day off. I asked him, and he said, ‘I feel great.’ I asked him if there was anything out of the ordinary, swelling, and he said no.

“So it’s just a matter of just (getting) the strength. He’s gotta get where he’s balanced on both legs all the time. But he’s close, real close to where he and everyone feels like he’s 100 percent.”

Before tearing his ACL last season, Zeigler was a semifinalist for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. This year, he’s looking to return to his elite defensive form, but steps must be taken in the process to ensure he does not fall victim to another significant injury like starting the season in a limited role. Still, in his 12 minutes on the floor, Zeigler was able to score three points, with two rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

Tennessee to take on Big Ten power in second game of the season

Up next for Tennessee is the first real test of the season as they take on a quality Power-5 program. The Volunteers will travel north to take on the Wisconsin Badgers on November 10 at Khol Arena. Both teams enter Friday’s contest 1-0 with blowout victories in their respective opening contest.

Wisconsin ran away with a 29-point 105-76 victory over Arkansas State in their season opener. Junior guard Chucky Hepburn led the way for the Badgers with 20 points on 7-10 shooting from the field, 2-3 from beyond the ark, and 4-5 from the charity stripe. If Zeigler and the Tennessee coaching staff believe he is up to the challenge, anticipate the Volunteers’ star defensive guard drawing the assignment of covering Hepburn from time to time.

Tennessee’s showdown with Wisconsin is scheduled for 8:00 PM CT tip-off and can be streamed live using the Peacock app.