According to Zakai Zeigler, it’ll just be a one-game absence for Tennessee’s star point guard. Zeigler announced that he’s expecting to play in the next game, which comes on Wednesday night against Missouri.
Appearing on the Food City Locker Room Show on Sunday night, Zeigler said he’ll be ready to go.
Just a little taste of why I love the “Food City Locker Room, presented by Garza Law.” I call it the “Players Show” because of the fun we have with them each week!!! @SwainEvent @TJonesLive @utlockerroom pic.twitter.com/AiZTUBswu9
— MARK PACKER (@Packer_sports) February 3, 2025
Zeigler missed Saturday’s game against Florida after landing awkwardly on his knee against Kentucky. The sights of the injury brought back some scary memories from his season-ending injury in 2023, but it would appear that Zeigler is back and ready to go.
Tennessee dismantled Florida on Saturday without him or Igor Milicic, 64-44. The Volunteers moved to 18-4 overall, pushing to 5-4 in league play. Playing with just seven scholarship players, Tennessee got 19 points from Chaz Lanier and 16 points from Jordan Gainey. Lights-out defense — getting back to the Tennessee way after a poor showing against Kentucky — led the way for the Vols.
Zeigler has been described as ‘the head of the snake’ for that Tennessee defense, and he’ll be back for another tough test against Missouri. The Tigers are coming off of a big week, knocking off both Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Missouri is now 6-2 in SEC play sitting alone in third place.
Tennessee is just 5-4 in league play and suddenly needs to stack some wins together to avoid having to play on Thursday of the SEC Tournament.