Tennessee's Zakai Zeigler headed just outside of Paris for next step in pro career

The next step is on the way for former Tennessee basketball fan favorite Zakai Zeigler and it's not a destination a lot of us envisioned for him. With that said, it doesn't mean it's not an exciting move for the two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

In some breaking news on Wednesday, it has been announced that Zeigler, who recently wrapped up an incredible career with the Vols, has signed with French squad Nanterre 92. Zeigler went through summer league ball with the Detroit Pistons, but he'll be heading to Europe before he sees his NBA dreams come true:

Zakai Zeigler has signed with French team Naterre 92 after playing summer league with Detroit

From Knoxville to Paris? Almost, as Nanterre is located around 50 minutes outside of the French capital. Still, this is going to be a pretty darn cool opportunity for Zeigler now that his days playing for Rick Barnes and the Vols are over.

This summer with the Pistons, Zeigler looked strong at times and impressed. However, after going undrafted, it was always going to be a longshot for him to make the roster for the start of the NBA season. Because of this, he looked at other teams overseas and Nanterre 92 was able to land him.

Earlier this offseason, Zeigler was in a legal dispute trying to get a fifth and final year of eligibility to return to campus. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned and he said goodbye to the Vols, something which was tough for everyone.

Zeigler will go down as a Tennessee great, helping the program reach the Elite Eight in back-to-back years. The friendship he and Barnes developed is something that's truly hard to find between a player and coach. First round of crepes on Zeigler once Barnes goes to visit him in France? The veteran head coach will likely enjoy the sound of that, while Vols Nation will be ready to root for Zeigler whenever he's in action overseas.