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Tennessee basketball 2022-23 preview: Vols’ backcourt

By Caleb Calhoun

Jan 11, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) moves the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) moves the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee guard Jahmai Mashack (15) during a game between Tennessee and Lenoir-Rhyne at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021.Kns Vols Hoops Exhibition
Tennessee guard Jahmai Mashack (15) during a game between Tennessee and Lenoir-Rhyne at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021.Kns Vols Hoops Exhibition /

Returning backups

Zakai Zeigler

  • 5’9″ 171 pounds
  • Sophomore
  • Long Island, N.Y.

With Kennedy Chandler gone, Zakai Zeigler could have the point guard position locked up. The graduate of Our Saviour Lutheran School was a surprise emergence last year for Tennessee basketball and averaged just under nine points, three assists and two steals a game.

Zeigler’s aggression and athleticism were so much fun to watch, and he should take a huge leap this year. He may not be the starter, but he’s the one backup who is a rotational player and will be no matter what alongside Josiah-Jordan James and Santiago Vescovi.

Jahmai Mashack

  • 6′ 4″ 201 pounds
  • Sophomore
  • Fontana, Calif.

A four-star guard who could play on the wing out of Etiwanda High School in California in last year’s class, Jahmai Mashack averaged just over four and a half minutes a game in 27 games. However, another year of experience should allow him to emerge this year.

Mashack could complement the Vols at the three or the two. It’s not likely he emerges as a starter this year, but working his way into the rotation should be a huge goal with the losses of Victor Bailey Jr. and Justin Powell. He is probably the guy most crucial to offsetting their departures.

Kent Gilbert

  • 6’1″ 178 pounds
  • Junior
  • Greenville, N.C.

Coming out of D.H. Conley High School in North Carlina, Kent Gilbert is a walk-on who has appeared in five games during his career with the Vols. He played in four last year, so he probably won’t see much action, but he provides more depth.

Isaiah Sulack

  • 6′ 5″ 192 pounds
  • Junior
  • Knoxville, Tenn.

A walk-on who joined the Vols out of Bossier Parish Community College in Louisiana last year, Isaiah Sulack is a local kid who graduated Christian Academy of Knoxville. He appeared in three games this year and likely won’t have a huge impact.

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