Former Tennessee basketball stars are lighting up NBA Summer League

Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) and Tennessee guard Jahmai Mashack (15) share a laugh during practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, ahead of the NCAA Tournament first round game between Tennessee and Longwood.

Kns Ncaa Vols Practice Bp
Tennessee guard Zakai Zeigler (5) and Tennessee guard Jahmai Mashack (15) share a laugh during practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, ahead of the NCAA Tournament first round game between Tennessee and Longwood. Kns Ncaa Vols Practice Bp | Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

Former Tennessee basketball stars have been lighting up the hardwood throughout the NBA Summer League, including rookies Jahmai Mashack, Zakai Zeigler, and Chaz Lanier. 

Mashack and Zeigler made highlight plays in last night's games. While the Grizzlies lost 92-88 in their matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Mashack played 24 minutes and was a key player in the matchup.  

He shot four-for-eight with eight points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block on the night. Add a highlight dunk to his record for the Thursday night matchup, and Mashack is quickly rising on the depth chart.

Lanier recorded a lot of minutes for the Pistons last night as well, but had an off-night shooting. Zeigler, on the other hand, only saw the floor for 11 minutes but made a couple of impressive three-point shots on his way to a 15-point night. 

Zeigler made a few highlight plays in the 11 minutes he saw the court, including a buzzer-beater in the first quarter that was shared by the NBA social media accounts.

The Vols were hoping to bring back Zeigler for a fifth year, but his request was denied by a judge, sending him to the NBA. It turns out Zeigler is still thriving at the professional level, as he continues to light up the floor. 

Summer League is set to end on Sunday, so Vols fans will have one, maybe two, opportunities to see former Tennessee basketball players stand out and work to earn a roster spot for the upcoming NBA season. 

Mashack and the Grizzlies are set to play Sunday night at 7:00 PM ET, while Lanier and Zeigler will suit up for the Pistons on Saturday at 8:00 PM ET with hopes to cap off their Summer League with another great performance.