LaPhonso Ellis reveals Zakai Zeigler as key for Tennessee to reach Final Four
Zakai Zeigler is the key for Tennessee to reach the NCAA Final Four, according to ESPN’s LaPhonso Ellis.
The No. 4 Volunteers take on the No. 10 Texas Longhorns Saturday at 6:00 p.m. in a pivotal non-conference tilt. Zeigler and Tennessee might see games like that en route to a potential national championship.
Ellis broke down why Zeigler is critical to Tennessee’s title hopes.
“Well, the key to getting there is what they already have,” Ellis said on SportsCenter. “They have the most efficient defense in the country and they combine that with their ability to be able to stick it from three much versatility on the offensive end. But the guy that’s going to be most important is the development of Zakai Zieigler. Early on in the year he really struggled kind of finding his way. I thought he was trying to do a little bit too much putting too much of the pressure on his own shoulders.
“But since then, he’s really settled down. Over the last three games, 15 points a game, seven assists per game. Why is he so important? Because when you get into the NCAA tournament teams … He is the one guy that had the ability to be able to create his own offense off the dribble, passing, scoring. That guy for Tennessee is Zakai Zeigler.”
In 20 games this season, Zeigler has 10.7 points per game, 3.1 rebounds per game, 4.9 assists per games, shot 38.2% from the floor and 33% from three-point range.
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Can Tennessee reach Final Four with Zakai Zeigler?
If Tennessee has the capabilities to reach the Final Four in March Madness, a win over Texas would be a good start.
“I remember us losing that one,” Zeigler said of their last matchup with Texas. “That’s how I’ll put it. It’s going to be a pretty good matchup and we’re looking forward to it.”
Zeigler was a bright spot for Tennessee in the loss a season ago, finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 12 points. He made four of nine shots from the field and added three rebounds. An overall struggle for Barnes’ squad but Zeigler was one who came ready to play.
“I wouldn’t even say that,” Zeigler said when he was asked if he’s excited about the game being at home. “I just know the last time we matched up that they beat us. And we remember that feeling. We’re not going to have that feeling on Saturday.”