Tennessee’s point guard, Zakai Zeigler will be sidelined until end of March with 6/8 weeks injury

Tennessee Volunteers’ star point guard, Zakai Zeigler, has been sidelined due to a knee injury sustained during a game against the Kentucky Wildcats on January 28, 2025. Late in the first half of that matchup, Zeigler drove hard to the basket, drawing contact and a foul. He quickly limped off the court and was escorted to the locker room. Despite the injury, Zeigler returned to play the entire second half.

Following the game, Zeigler underwent an MRI, which revealed no structural damage to his knee. However, he was ruled out for the subsequent game against the Florida Gators on February 1, 2025. Head coach Rick Barnes noted that Zeigler was “a little banged up” and experiencing discomfort, leading to his absence from the Florida game.

Despite Zeigler’s absence, the Volunteers secured a 64-44 victory over the Gators, with Jordan Gainey stepping up to fill the point guard role. Gainey contributed 16 points and five assists, showcasing the team’s depth and adaptability. citeturn0search6

Zeigler’s injury is particularly concerning given his significant contributions to the team this season. He has been averaging 12.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, making him a pivotal figure in Tennessee’s offense. citeturn0news9

As of February 15, 2025, there is no official update on Zeigler’s expected return date. The team has classified him as “day-to-day,” indicating that his return will depend on his recovery progress. The Volunteers will need to continue to rely on their depth and the leadership of players like Gainey and Igor Milicic Jr. to maintain their competitive edge in the Southeastern Conference.