Zakai Zeigler reveals impact of Division III transfer Colin Coyne on team

The Tennessee Volunteers are coming off a huge win over Mississippi State. In that game, Colin Coyne, a Division III transfer, even managed to score. This led to guard Zakai Zeigler praising him as he explained the impact that Coyne has on the team.

When Zeigler was asked about Coyne, he smiled, laughing, “Oh, Big C.C.”

“He had us all riled up,” Zakai Zeigler said. “He had two blocks–we had five blocks in the game and he had two of them in a minute and 50 seconds. So, that was pretty big.”

“Everybody loves C.C. He’s always a booster of energy. He’s a really funny guy. A lot of people might not know that. But, that moment there, we’re gonna remember that for the rest of the season, for sure.”

One reporter from the press conference then joked with Zeigler that he only has three blocks and Coyne has two already.

“I know,” Zeigler said. “Man, C.C. is coming to take my shine.”

Colin Coyne started his college career at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. His two points scored against Mississippi State were the first he has scored in a Division I basketball game. It was also only his second appearance with Tennessee, having played against McNeese State.

Zakai Zeigler on knocking down shots

After the win, Zakai Zeigler was asked about what it’s like to be in a groove, knocking down shots–something that the Volunteers have struggled with at times this season.

“No other way to put it other than it’s really fun,” Zeigler said.

“When you’re hitting shots, you’re not tired. It’s fun out there, everybody has energy. When guys aren’t making shots, that’s when everybody gets down. It is really fun out there with everybody hitting shots.”