INDIANAPOLIS — In a thrilling Sweet 16 matchup of the NCAA Tournament, Tennessee Volunteers point guard Zakai Zeigler etched his name into the record books by becoming the SEC's new single-season assist king. On Friday night, March 28, 2025, Zeigler broke the conference's long-standing record during the Vols' clash against the Kentucky Wildcats, a game that saw him assist Felix Okpara on a spectacular alley-oop that gave Tennessee a 23-15 lead with 9:21 remaining in the first half.
Entering the game tied with Ole Miss' Sean Tuohy at 260 assists, Zeigler's record-setting assist not only marked a personal achievement but also a historic moment for the SEC, as it had taken 45 years for someone to surpass Tuohy’s record, which was set back in the 1979-80 season. Zeigler's impressive performance throughout the season has been a key factor in Tennessee's success, as they aim to return to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year.
With his latest assist, Zeigler now stands alone as the sole record holder for the most assists in a single season in SEC history, a testament to his exceptional playmaking abilities. This season, the 5-foot-9 senior has averaged 7.4 assists per game, showcasing his vision and skill on the court. "He's at it again. Zakai Zeigler is now the SEC record-holder for assists in a single season," Tennessee Basketball announced on X, celebrating their star player's milestone.
But this isn’t the first time Zeigler has made waves in the record books. Earlier in the tournament, he set the University of Tennessee’s single-season assist record, surpassing Rodney Woods' mark of 227 assists, which had stood since the 1974-75 season. Additionally, Zeigler established a new career assists record for the Vols with his 716th assist during a game against Wofford on March 20, 2025. This achievement broke Johnny Darden's previous record of 715 assists, a mark that had remained untouched since Darden's playing days from 1975 to 1979.
As it stands, Zeigler ranks third in SEC history for career assists, trailing only Tuohy and Arkansas guard Kareem Reid, who holds 748 assists. While it may be a tall order to catch Tuohy's impressive total of 830 assists, Zeigler remains focused on leading his team deep into the tournament, where further opportunities to add to his tally may arise.
In addition to his assist prowess, Zeigler has also been a defensive standout, ranking ninth in SEC history with 250 career steals. He is just two steals away from passing Reid for sole possession of eighth place. His all-around game has not gone unnoticed, as he earned First Team All-SEC honors this season from the league’s coaches and was recognized as a Second Team All-SEC selection and a Third Team All-America selection by the Associated Press.
As the Vols continue their tournament journey, Zeigler's contributions have been pivotal. In the Sweet 16 matchup against Kentucky, he entered the game averaging 13.7 points, 7.4 assists, three rebounds, and two steals per game, firmly establishing himself as a key player for Tennessee.
The stakes are high for the Volunteers as they look to advance further in the tournament. The winner of the Tennessee vs. Kentucky showdown will move on to the regional finals, facing off against the winner of the matchup between No. 1 seed Houston and No. 4 seed Purdue on Sunday, March 30, 2025. With Zeigler at the helm, Tennessee fans are hopeful for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
As the game progresses, the excitement builds around Zeigler's record-breaking season and what it means for Tennessee basketball. The Vols are not just playing for a chance at the championship; they are also playing for a legacy, one that Zeigler is helping to define with each assist, steal, and drive to the basket. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling tournament unfolds.
