NOW CONFIRMED: Knoxville, TN – Zakai Zeigler Makes History, Winning Both the 2025 Bob Cousy Award and Midseason Wooden Award
In the world of college basketball, there are few honors more prestigious than the Bob Cousy Award and the John R. Wooden Award. These two accolades represent the pinnacle of individual achievement in the sport, awarded to the best point guard and the best overall player, respectively. In a season already filled with historic performances, one name has risen above the rest in a way few could have anticipated. That name is Zakai Zeigler, the dynamic and explosive point guard from the University of Tennessee Volunteers.
Zakai Zeigler’s triumphs are not just about statistics; they are about revolutionizing what it means to be a point guard in modern college basketball. His incredible playmaking ability, leadership on the floor, and unrelenting work ethic have earned him the respect of his teammates, coaches, and opponents alike. The fact that Zeigler has now secured both the 2025 Bob Cousy Award and the Midseason Wooden Award—two of the most highly coveted honors in all of college basketball—is a testament to his excellence and his place among the greats in the sport.
A Historic Achievement
For those who follow college basketball closely, the significance of Zakai Zeigler’s achievement cannot be overstated. The Bob Cousy Award, named after the legendary Boston Celtics point guard, is awarded annually to the best point guard in college basketball. The Wooden Award, named after the legendary UCLA coach, recognizes the most outstanding player in the country, irrespective of position. Zeigler’s double victory is a rare occurrence, a feat that only the most exceptional players are capable of achieving.
Before this year, the only players to have earned both awards in the same season were point guards who also played exceptionally well at a broader level. But even in such elite company, Zeigler’s performances stand out. His combination of leadership, scoring, and assist-making makes him an ideal representative of what both awards stand for. And yet, for all the accolades and hype surrounding him, the story of Zakai Zeigler is one of relentless pursuit and determination.
The Journey to Greatness
Zakai Zeigler’s rise to prominence has been anything but conventional. Born and raised in New York, Zeigler’s basketball journey began at a young age in the city’s intense and competitive basketball scene. Standing at just 5-foot-9, Zeigler has often been overlooked due to his size, but he has continually defied expectations with his skill set and determination.
From his early days in high school to his standout performances in his first years at the University of Tennessee, Zeigler’s trajectory has been shaped by a series of key moments. When he first arrived in Knoxville, there were questions about whether he could adapt to the SEC, a league known for its physical play and high-level competition. However, Zeigler quickly proved that he was not just capable of keeping up, but of excelling at the highest levels.
One of the things that sets Zeigler apart is his basketball IQ. Despite his relatively modest size compared to some of his competitors, he possesses an uncanny ability to read the floor, anticipate plays, and make the right decision at the right time. Whether it’s threading a needle with a perfectly timed assist or hitting a crucial three-pointer when the team needs it most, Zeigler’s basketball mind is his greatest weapon.
His leadership has been another key factor in his success. On a team that has been consistently ranked among the nation’s top 10 throughout the 2024-2025 season, Zeigler has emerged as the undisputed leader. His ability to command the floor, distribute the basketball, and motivate his teammates has been instrumental in the Volunteers’ success. In many ways, his leadership qualities have elevated the entire program and have helped create a sense of unity and purpose within the team.
An Explosive 2024-2025 Season
While Zakai Zeigler’s talents have always been evident, it is during the 2024-2025 season that he has truly emerged as a once-in-a-generation talent. His combination of scoring, passing, and defensive prowess has been a driving force behind Tennessee’s success this season, and his individual performances have left a lasting impact on college basketball.
Statistically, Zeigler has been a force to be reckoned with. Through the first part of the 2024-2025 season, he has averaged 18.5 points, 7.2 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, all while shooting a blistering 46% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. His scoring has been complemented by his elite playmaking ability, dishing out assists at an impressive rate while also providing the defensive intensity that the Volunteers are known for.
But it’s not just the raw numbers that set Zeigler apart; it’s the impact he has had in critical moments. Zeigler has consistently stepped up in big games, whether it’s hitting clutch shots in the final minutes or orchestrating a comeback when the team has been down. His leadership has helped carry Tennessee to numerous marquee victories, including wins over top-ranked opponents and rival programs.
Zeigler’s influence on the game is felt beyond just his individual performances. He has an uncanny ability to make his teammates better, something that is reflected in Tennessee’s overall offensive flow. His ability to find open teammates and make the right pass at the right time has made Tennessee one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball. Additionally, his tenacious defense has been a hallmark of his game, as he often disrupts opposing offenses with his quickness and basketball instincts.
The 2025 Bob Cousy Award
When Zeigler was named the recipient of the 2025 Bob Cousy Award, it was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The Bob Cousy Award is given to the nation’s top point guard, a title that Zeigler has unquestionably earned. His vision on the court, court awareness, and ability to run an offense have made him the quintessential floor general.
As the 2025 Bob Cousy Award winner, Zeigler joins an illustrious group of players who have received this honor, including some of the biggest names in the history of college basketball. Players like Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, and Jalen Brunson have won the award in previous years, and now Zeigler has etched his name into that same elite category.
While many point guards are known for their ability to score, what sets Zeigler apart is his ability to control the tempo of the game. He is the engine that drives Tennessee’s offense, dictating the pace and making sure his teammates are always in the right position to succeed. His leadership and versatility have made him the most complete point guard in college basketball this season, a fact that was fully recognized when he was awarded the Bob Cousy Award.
The Midseason Wooden Award
In addition to the Bob Cousy Award, Zeigler’s performance this season has also earned him the Midseason John R. Wooden Award, which recognizes the best overall player in college basketball. This prestigious honor is given to a player who excels not only in individual performance but also in terms of leadership, teamwork, and overall contribution to their team’s success.
Zakai Zeigler’s achievement of winning the Midseason Wooden Award is a clear reflection of his status as one of the most dominant players in the country. While the Wooden Award is often given to a player who shines in a variety of areas—scoring, rebounding, passing, and leadership—Zeigler’s unique blend of all these attributes has set him apart from the competition.
Looking Forward
With both the 2025 Bob Cousy Award and the Midseason Wooden Award in his possession, Zakai Zeigler has firmly established himself as one of the best players in college basketball. But for him, these accolades are just the beginning. As the season progresses and the Tennessee Volunteers march toward the NCAA Tournament, Zeigler will continue to be the focal point of their success.
Many believe that Zeigler’s combination of skill, leadership, and competitive fire will make him a force to be reckoned with at the next level, and it is likely that his name will be called in the first round of the NBA Draft in 2025. Regardless of where his basketball career takes him, Zakai Zeigler has already cemented his place in college basketball history as one of the best point guards to ever play the game.
As the 2024-2025 season continues, college basketball fans across the country will be eagerly watching to see what more Zeigler can accomplish. For now, though, Zakai Zeigler stands alone as the most dominant force in college basketball, having achieved a historic double by winning both the Bob Cousy Award and the Midseason Wooden Award. The sky is the limit for this extraordinary young talent, and the future of college basketball will forever bear his mark.