Tennessee Basketball Waiting For Zakai Zeigler Update Following Left Knee I Injury

Tennessee basketball is anxiously awaiting news regarding point guard Zakai Zegler's possible left knee injury sustained during their 75-57 win against Arkansas on Tuesday night. A scan will provide more insight into his status, and the Vols look forward to learning more about his condition following the scan.

Zeigler, who averages 11.0 points and 5.5 assists per game, is one of the team's standout performers. Additionally, he leads all scorers with five double-doubles this season.

Zeigler exited game against Arkansas

Zeigler, who leads Tennessee with 11 points per game, suffered a serious left knee injury early in Tuesday's 75-57 win over Arkansas. According to UT officials, he exited the game and did not return.

The sophomore guard was driving baseline when he appeared to hop awkwardly and fall onto the floor. UT trainer Chad Newman and strength coach Garrett Medenwald evaluated him quickly, ruling him out for the remainder of the game. With assistance, Newman was helped off the court and ruled out for injury.

Thankfully, the Vols didn't let an injury stop them from pulling off an impressive win, displaying their resilience in the face of adversity with a tenacious defensive display. Senior point guard Santiago Vescovi stepped in to lead Tennessee (22-8, 11-6 SEC) to their most dominant home performance in some time.

In the absence of Zeigler, the Vols were able to put together an impressive defensive effort that saw them hold Arkansas to an SEC-low 21.6 percent shooting rate and force 16 turnovers. Olivier Nkamhoua added a double-double with 16 points and seven rebounds for UT.

Though a return date for Zeigler is uncertain, he is expected to miss Saturday's SEC matchup against Auburn. If Zeigler does not return, Tennessee could turn to Key for their main point guard position which he has been playing most of this season. The Indiana State grad transfer has seen more minutes at point guard than any other player on their roster this year.

Zeigler is a game-time decision

Tennessee basketball team is still waiting for an update on Zakai Zeigler's left knee injury that occurred during the opening minutes of Tuesday's game against Arkansas. According to a Vols spokesperson, Zeigler exited the game early and is expected to miss the remainder of play. As the Southeastern Conference leader in assists, Zeigler had already left with his teammates before any updates could be given during their halftime interviews.

Head coach Rick Barnes wasn't sure how long the sophomore point guard will be out, but he expected him to play at some point in the near future. With their 22-8 record and 11-6 SEC record, Tennessee remains within reach of a top-4 seed and double-bye in next week's SEC Tournament.

Tennessee will need its veteran leadership to stay in the game against a formidable SEC opponent in Auburn on Saturday. Seniors Josiah-Jordan James, Olivier Nkamhoua and Santiago Vescovi, as well as graduate transfer Tyreke Key all performed admirably Tuesday night.

All three scorers scored in double figures, with James and Nkamhoua leading the charge. Along with his 12 points, Nkamhoua also recorded a season high six blocks.

Zeigler emerged as a major factor in the second half after struggling in the first. He shot just 3-for-17 from the field and turned over five times, as Tennessee led 34-17 at halftime. But Maryland (22-8, 9-4 SEC) unleashed their full court press and forced three turnovers during an 12-0 run that cut Tennessee's lead to 47-46 with 10:33 remaining in regulation time.

With Maryland trailing by two points in the second half, Tennessee unleashed its offense as it made 8 of 9 3-pointers to pull away and take control of the game. Ziegler's 3-pointer with 3:05 remaining gave Tennessee its largest lead of the night at 51-49; ultimately, the Volunteers went on to secure a 75-57 victory.

This game featured two of the top teams in the SEC, and the outcome was an intense, emotional struggle that highlighted how much the Volunteers (22-8, 11-6 SEC) have to be thankful for this season.

Zeigler has a non-contact knee injury

Tennessee basketball fans eagerly await an update after star point guard Zakai Zeigler left Tuesday night's 75-57 win against Arkansas with a non-contact knee injury. It is an enormous setback for a Vols team that hasn't been fully healthy this season and hopes to regain the talented young player it needs to take its next step.

Zeigler has been averaging 11.0 points, 5.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds this season and was the team's second-leading scorer heading into Tuesday's matchup against Arkansas. Additionally, he's been one of the best pilferers in the SEC this year, ranking 40th nationally with a 4.1 steal percentage during conference play.

His impact on the Tennessee offense was evident against Arkansas, as he scored six points and threw an alley-oop to Olivier Nkamhoua for UT's second field goal. Furthermore, he was an important part of their defense with seven blocked shots and five steals while playing 36 minutes.

At three minutes into the game, Zeigler suffered an injury that silenced the sold-out crowd inside Thompson-Boling Arena. With all seats taken for Senior Night, this sold-out venue had been packed to capacity.

Before the game, the Volunteers paid tribute to seniors Josiah-Jordan James, Tyreke Key, Olivier Nkamhoua, Uros Plavsic and Santiago Vescovi. Though they battled valiantly without Zeigler throughout his absence, his loss brought a poignancy to what should have been an enjoyable evening for everyone.

Tennessee played much larger than expected. Sophomore guard Santiago Vescovi took over at point guard, while James, Julian Phillips and Jahmai Mashack all shared responsibility for passing the ball.

After the game, Barnes reiterated his committee approach at point guard for the Volunteers. He acknowledged it will be different without Zeigler, but he still expects all players to do their jobs well.

Zeigler will be missed, but they have a capable point guard in Santiago Vescovi who has improved his game during SEC play and is averaging 11.7 points, 6.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds this season. Additionally, he's an excellent shotblocker and an invaluable asset off the bench.

Zeigler is out for the season

Tennessee basketball is eager for an update on Zakai Zeigler's left knee injury sustained during the opening three minutes of Tuesday night's 75-57 victory against Arkansas at Thompson-Boling Arena. As the Vols prepare for their big game against Auburn on Saturday, it remains uncertain whether Zeigler will be able to play.

At present, Tennessee will be without its starting point guard for the remainder of the season. Zeigler, who is averaging 11.0 points and 5.5 assists per game this year, is their best distributor and serves as their emotional leader - motivating both sides of the ball. He will certainly be missed!

That's a major blow for Tennessee, as Zeigler has been instrumental in their run to an SEC tournament championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. If he can't continue playing, this team could find itself in serious trouble during the NCAA Tournament.

He's been an excellent addition to Tennessee's point guard rotation, and Barnes hinted that if Zeigler doesn't return, the Volunteers may go with point guard by committee. He mentioned 4-star freshman BJ Edwards as one option but also said the team wouldn't rule out Jahmai Mashack or Tyreke Key if Zeigler is unable to play.

At the 2021 Peach Jam, Zeigler averaged 15.3 points and 5.5 assists while shooting 50 percent from 3-point range. In six games of the tournament's eventual champion Team Final, he had an outstanding performance with 23 points on 7-for-8 shooting from deep, 10 assists, three steals, and no turnovers.

His performance against Team Final earned him the title of "Best Performance" of the event, and it's hard to see how UT can beat Arkansas without him on Saturday in Auburn. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that he returns soon.

The Vols are fortunate to have a number of capable backcourt players who can step up when needed, but it's hard to imagine how this team will fare without Zeigler - their sole true point guard and leader on both ends of the floor. Without Zeigler, it will be tough for this squad to compete in the NCAA Tournament.