Zakai Zeigler named to Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List

Tennessee senior guard Zakai Zeigler named to Naismith Trophy Preseason Watch List.

No. 12 Tennessee played its only exhibition game ahead of the 2024-25 basketball season.

No. 18 Indiana defeated the Vols, 66-62, on Sunday at Food City Center. Rankings reflect the preseason USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.

Senior guard Zakai Zeigler led Tennessee with 13 points against the Hoosiers.

The 5-foot-9, 172-pound guard was named to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy College Player of the Year Preseason Watch List.

Zeigler averaged 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game last season. He appeared in 36 games, including 30 starts, and was named 2024 SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

Tennessee will tip off its 2024-25 basketball season on Nov. 4 versus Gardner-Webb at Food City Center (7 p.m. EST, SEC Network+).

Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images