Zakai Zeigler Makes History: Claims 2025 Bob Cousy and Midseason Wooden Awards in Breakout Season for Tennessee

Knoxville, TN – In what is shaping up to be one of the most remarkable seasons in University of Tennessee basketball history, junior point guard Zakai Zeigler has firmly planted his name among the elite of the college basketball world. With relentless determination, electrifying playmaking, and on-court leadership that belies his 5-foot-9 frame, Zeigler has captured both the prestigious 2025 Bob Cousy Award—given annually to the nation’s top point guard—and the Midseason John R. Wooden Award, which honors the most outstanding player in men’s college basketball.

It’s a dual honor rarely achieved in the same season, and for Zeigler, it marks not only personal vindication but also a defining moment for a Tennessee program that has risen to national prominence in recent years. For fans of the Volunteers and lovers of the sport alike, Zakai Zeigler’s breakout season has become a compelling story of resilience, heart, and high-level basketball excellence.

A Point Guard’s Journey: From Underdog to National Star

Zakai Zeigler’s path to basketball stardom has never followed the conventional route. Undervalued by many major programs due to his height and coming from humble beginnings in Long Island, New York, Zeigler was often doubted at the national level. However, Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes saw what many others missed: elite quickness, defensive tenacity, a high basketball IQ, and a fierce competitive drive.

Since arriving in Knoxville in 2021, Zeigler quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his energetic defense and fearlessness in the clutch. But the 2024–2025 season has marked a transformative leap. With his floor leadership, improved scoring touch, and unwavering grit, Zeigler has stepped up to become the engine of a Tennessee team that is not only a contender in the SEC but also a legitimate threat on the national stage.

“Zakai has always had the heart of a champion,” said Coach Barnes. “What we’re seeing now is the culmination of years of work, sacrifice, and belief in himself. He’s leading our team not just with his talent, but with his soul.”

Bob Cousy Award: Elite Among Point Guards

Named after the legendary Boston Celtics point guard, the Bob Cousy Award is one of the most coveted honors in college basketball, recognizing the best floor general in the country. Zeigler’s win cements his place as not only the top point guard in the SEC but as the premier orchestrator in the entire NCAA.

Zeigler has posted impressive numbers this season, averaging 16.8 points, 7.2 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, while maintaining a 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Yet his impact goes far beyond the box score. He’s the heartbeat of the Volunteers, directing traffic on offense, locking down opposing guards on defense, and setting the tone with his intensity.

“He sees the game two steps ahead,” said teammate Jonas Aidoo. “When he’s out there, you feel like anything is possible. He makes everyone around him better.”

The Cousy Award committee praised Zeigler’s leadership and poise under pressure. In several key games this season—including Tennessee’s road win at Kentucky and a statement victory over North Carolina—Zeigler was at his very best, hitting big shots late and controlling the tempo in hostile environments.

Wooden Midseason Award: Rising Above the Rest

As prestigious as the Bob Cousy Award is, Zeigler’s recognition as the Midseason Wooden Award winner is an even more significant milestone. This accolade places him atop a shortlist of players considered the best in the nation—regardless of position.

The Wooden Award, named after legendary UCLA coach John Wooden, takes into account not just statistical dominance, but also leadership, character, and impact on a team’s success. For Zeigler, who has elevated his game and his team simultaneously, the honor reflects the holistic contribution he’s made to college basketball this season.

“He’s the most valuable player in the country right now,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas during a recent broadcast. “There are more physically gifted players, sure. But there’s no one who means more to their team’s success than Zeigler does to Tennessee.”

Indeed, the Volunteers have climbed into the top five of the national rankings, and Zeigler’s fingerprints are all over that success. With his steady hand at the point, Tennessee has led the SEC in both offensive efficiency and defensive rating—no small feat in a conference loaded with NBA-caliber talent.

The Numbers Behind the Narrative

While Zeigler’s story is as much about intangibles as statistics, his numbers are undeniably elite. He has recorded six double-doubles this season and is among the NCAA leaders in both steals and assists. His field goal percentage has risen to 47%, and he’s hitting 39% from beyond the arc—a significant improvement over past seasons.

Advanced metrics tell the same story. Zeigler’s Player Efficiency Rating (PER) ranks in the top 15 nationally, and his usage rate—often an indicator of how much a team relies on a player—is among the highest for any point guard in the country. And yet, his turnover rate remains remarkably low, a testament to his composure and control.

One key to his breakout has been his enhanced ability to finish at the rim despite his smaller frame. Zeigler credits offseason work with strength and conditioning coaches, as well as film study focused on how undersized NBA guards like Chris Paul and Fred VanVleet find success against bigger defenders.

“I’ve learned how to use angles, how to use my body better,” Zeigler said. “But it really just comes down to will. I’m not going to let anyone tell me I can’t finish in the paint just because I’m not 6-3.”

Off the Court: A Leader in Every Sense

Zakai Zeigler’s impact transcends basketball. Off the court, he has become a role model for younger fans and a leader in the Tennessee community. After his family’s apartment was destroyed by fire in 2022, the outpouring of support from Vol Nation only deepened Zeigler’s bond with the school and its supporters.

Instead of letting hardship derail him, he turned it into fuel. Now, he speaks openly about resilience, mental health, and staying true to one’s goals, regardless of adversity.

“He’s the kind of young man every parent would want their child to look up to,” said Barnes. “He’s respectful, hardworking, and as tough as they come. What he’s doing for our program is incredible, but what he represents goes beyond that.”

What’s Next: NCAA Tournament and Final Wooden Ballot

As the regular season winds down, the Vols are setting their sights on the NCAA Tournament, where expectations will be higher than ever. With Zeigler leading the charge, Tennessee hopes to make a deep run—perhaps all the way to the program’s first Final Four.

Zeigler also remains a strong favorite to win the full-season John R. Wooden Award, to be announced in early April. If he does, he would become the first Tennessee player—and one of the few point guards ever—to win the award.

The pressure will only increase, but Zeigler seems more than ready. When asked about individual accolades, he remains humble.

“I’m grateful, but I’m not finished,” he said. “Awards are great, but I came here to win a championship. That’s what matters most.”

A Legacy in the Making

Regardless of how the season ends, Zakai Zeigler has already etched his name into the annals of Tennessee basketball history. His story is one of perseverance, growth, and excellence—an underdog turned superstar, leading a team, a school, and a fanbase with poise and passion.

For a player who was once overlooked, there’s a poetic symmetry in being recognized now as the very best. And as the Vols charge toward March Madness, there’s no doubt who’s driving the bus.

Zakai Zeigler is no longer just a rising star. He’s a force. A leader. And, in the eyes of many, the face of college basketball in 2025.