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Zakai Zeigler sets Tennessee's all-time assist record

On3 imageby:Brent Hubbs•about 21 hours•

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Zakai Zeigler
© Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

With his second assist of the NCAA Tournament senior point guard Zakai Zeigler has become Tennessee’s career assist record holder, breaking Johnny Darden’s previous record of 715 set from 1975-1977.

The record has never been challenged before Zeigler. The next closest to the mark is C.J. Watson, who had 577 assists from 2002-06. Zeigler, who entered Thursday’s game with 242 assists this season, broke the single-season assist record mark of 227 previously held by Rodney Woods during the win over Texas in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals last Friday.

The Wofford game was Zeigler’s his 135th career gam. He 218 assists on Tennessee’s Elite Eight team last season, 161 as a sophomore in 2022-23 and 93 as a freshman in 2021-22.

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has been notoriously hard on his point guards his entire career. Barnes has extremely high demand for his floor general. Zeigler from day one has never been bothered by hard coaching. In fact he has embraced it creating a special bond for the veteran coach and unflappable New York guard. 

“I’ve said before, I can’t even imagine life without him. If you could have been in the huddle with us today, you would understand why because he was outstanding,” Barnes said of Zeigler. “He has been a great blessing to me and I just thank God for bringing our lives together.”

Zeigler, who has captured the hearts of the entire Tennessee fan base as a undersized, underrated player, has made it clear what Barnes and the opportunity to be a Vol has meant to him.

“I really don’t know where I would be,” Zeigler said. “I was thinking about quitting basketball around that time (when Tennessee offered).. I am thankful and blessed that I was given this opportunity, and the Lord has brought me a long way.”

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