Vols Guard Zakai Zeigler Happy to be Back in Action

Great scene on Rocky Top Monday with the return of fan favorite guard Zakai Zeigler. He suffered a torn ACL at the end of February last year, but he battled back to earn some playing time in Tennessee’s season opening win over Tennessee Tech. Zeigler had three points and five assists.

Said Zeigler:”Felt good to be back. I’ve been waiting for that moment since the day I went down. Just felt really good to be back for Vol nation and for my brothers.”
Said head coach Rick Barnes:”It was hard on him because he wants to play so much. Our medical staff was telling him when to let him play. When to take him out and all that. It frustrated him.”
Said Zeigler:”No matter if I get frustrated or not, I’ve got to learn that it’s my body first. My body is the most important thing. Whatever they tell me, I’m just following through on it.”
Said Barnes:”It’s the strength that he has got to continue to get where he’s balanced on both legs all the time. He’s close. Real close to where he feels like and I think everyone feels like he’s 100 percent.”