Tennessee Volunteers’ senior point guard, Zakai Zeigler, has etched his name into the program’s history by breaking the single-season assist record during the SEC Tournament quarterfinals against Texas. Zeigler surpassed the previous record of 227 assists, set by Rodney Woods during the 1974-75 season.
Record-Breaking Performance
Entering the game with 224 assists, Zeigler needed just four to claim the record. He matched Woods’ mark with his third assist, finding Felix Okpara in the post with 8:53 remaining in the first half. The record-breaking assist came at the 17:43 mark in the second half when he assisted Jahmai Mashack for a layup.
Season Highlights
Zeigler has been instrumental in Tennessee’s success this season, leading the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with an average of 7.5 assists per game. His playmaking abilities have been a cornerstone of the Volunteers’ offense, contributing significantly to their performance in both regular-season and tournament play.
Chasing Career Milestones
Beyond the single-season record, Zeigler is approaching Tennessee’s career assist record. With 701 career assists following the game against Texas, he is within striking distance of Johnny Darden’s all-time record of 715 assists, set between 1975 and 1979. With the Volunteers advancing in the SEC Tournament and an NCAA Tournament berth on the horizon, Zeigler has ample opportunities to surpass this milestone.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Zeigler’s leadership and vision on the court have been pivotal for Tennessee. His ability to distribute the ball effectively has not only set individual records but also elevated the performance of his teammates, making the Volunteers a formidable opponent in postseason play.
As Tennessee continues its quest for SEC and national titles, Zeigler’s contributions will undoubtedly be a focal point, with fans and analysts alike watching to see if he can add the career assist record to his list of accolades.
