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The word “culture” is commonly heard in sports, almost as much as it is in microbiology. Coaches and players often use it to describe a group’s ability to work together successfully. Winning is often associated with a strong “culture,” and being more talented can significantly enhance it. However, the intangible aspects of culture are crucial as well. For outsiders, “culture” often points to the style of play. So, when discussing Tennessee men’s basketball under Rick Barnes, sports writers might call it a culture built on toughness, defense, and hard work.
But there’s more to it than that. If you spend some time with senior point guard Zakai Zeigler during an NCAA Tournament weekend, you’ll see the heart of Tennessee’s culture.
Zeigler to a teammate: “You gonna show up for this game?”
Zeigler to a nearby beat writer: “Yo yo, back up off me, man. Your breath stinks.”
When asked if Barnes might retire at age 70 after this season, considering Zeigler’s graduation and his possible status as Barnes’ favorite player in his 37-year coaching career, Zeigler responded: “Nah, I don’t think so. He loves the game too much. What would he do? Some days, he’s in the gym when we’re not even there. What he’s doing, I don’t know. But he can sit in there all day.”
Tennessee basketball is Barnes. Tennessee basketball is Zeigler. It’s a culture built on playful needling. This teasing isn’t just about maintaining real relationships with brutal honesty; it’s also about having fun. The team takes pride in getting under opponents’ skin to the point they want to quit.
“Zakai is just a pest, you know? Best defender in the country,” said senior guard Jordan Gainey.
“The ultimate competitor,” said sophomore forward Cade Phillips.
“A hall-of-fame instigator,” said sophomore forward J.P. Estrella.
Whether Tennessee wins or loses against No. 3 seed Kentucky in the Midwest Regional semifinals, the team will carry a sense of pride in how they play together. The margin for error is razor-thin, especially for a program with a top-tier defense (ranked No. 3 in KenPom’s efficiency ratings) and an outside shooting game that can be inconsistent.
But when it comes to having fun while challenging each other, Tennessee stands unmatched. Barnes, though intense and profanity-free on the sidelines, enjoys the repartee with his players during non-game times. Zeigler, standing at 5-foot-9, is a mini version of Barnes in this sense—substituting a basketball for a whistle and a New York accent for the North Carolina twang. They share a deep passion for both winning and enjoying their time with their teammates. For Zeigler, time with the team is running out.
“What he does out there, I’m telling you, he does it every day,” Barnes said.
“That’s why he is what he is,” said associate head coach Justin Gainey, referring to Zeigler as “the fabric of what Tennessee basketball is.”
Zeigler’s contributions back up this claim, as he stands as Tennessee’s all-time leader in assists (732) and steals (250), ranking third and 10th, respectively, in SEC history. He’s scored over 1,500 points and earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors in each of the past two seasons, making him one of only three players to win the award multiple times. He’s also the first player to make the All-SEC Defensive Team four times.
Had defense been more highly valued by voters, Zeigler’s tenacity would have earned him a spot on more than just a few third-team All-America lists.
However, there’s more to Tennessee’s drive than just individual success. This team is driven to give Barnes his second Final Four appearance, to secure his first national title, and to prove to critics that he’s special. Equally, the team is determined to do it for Zeigler.
“People might see that competitive fire he has and mistake that for someone who is hard to get along with,” Phillips said. “It’s the opposite. When Zakai has your back, there is nothing in the world that will ever change that.”
Zeigler’s story is well known. He was an undersized, under-recruited guard who faced adversity as a child, hopping trains to improve himself. His best offer was from Saint Peter’s, but Tennessee came in late in the summer of 2021. Barnes initially thought Zeigler would redshirt, serving as a practice opponent for one-and-done freshman Kennedy Chandler. But after just a few days of practice, that plan changed.
“He never said anything,” said Justin Gainey. “Never complained. Never hung his head. Didn’t even say, ‘I’ll show you.’ He just went out and did it. That toughness, man.”
During his freshman year, Zeigler’s family home in Long Island was destroyed by fire. Vols fans raised more than $363,000 to help his family relocate to Knoxville.
“When it comes down to it, I’m really blessed that (Barnes) took a chance on me,” Zeigler said. “It changed my life. It changed my family’s life.”
In the 2022-23 season, Tennessee was essentially Zeigler’s team. But an ACL injury sidelined him late in the season, forcing him to contribute only through words as the Vols made a Sweet 16 run. Zeigler pushed the team to the second Elite Eight in program history, but by then, his energy was drained, and his shots were off.
Encouraged by Barnes and strength coach Garrett Medenwald to focus on recovery, Zeigler now spends longer in the cold tub, improving his stamina. His shots are falling again.
Zeigler has become more assertive, even correcting Barnes when a play is drawn up incorrectly. This season, Zeigler and senior Jahmai Mashack are the official voices of the team, replacing former leaders Josiah James and Santiago Vescovi.
Zeigler and Mashack, perhaps the toughest defensive duo in men’s college basketball, once nearly came to blows as freshmen on the scout team over their losing streak against the starters. But after a fight, the scout team made a comeback to win. Mashack fondly recalls the intense, yet unbreakable bonds that were formed.
Zeigler is relentless against opponents. He knows their tendencies and anticipates their moves. His energy is contagious—when he frustrates an opponent, it fires up his teammates and the fans. And when mistakes are made, Zeigler isn’t afraid to call out his teammates—just like Barnes does with him. Their bond is built on this high standard of accountability.
When senior forward Igor Milicic made mistakes in a critical game against Auburn, both Barnes and Zeigler loudly corrected him. But after a tough game against UCLA, Zeigler took Milicic aside to remind him of his worth and the reason he belongs on the team. Milicic went on to step up, grabbing seven crucial rebounds.
“I’m grateful for him,” Milicic said, praising Zeigler’s leadership.
As for Barnes, after reflecting on his experiences with Zeigler, he grew serious.
“One of the great stories ever,” Barnes said. “He’ll leave as one of the greatest Tennessee Volunteers ever. He’s like, my comfort. I love him. I love him to death.”