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Watch Rick Barnes and Zakai Zeigler share heartwarming embrace at Vols senior day

A special moment for Barnes and Zeigler.
ByBraulio Perez|
Dec 28, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes (left) talks with Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) as he checks out of the game during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Dec 28, 2022; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes (left) talks with Tennessee Volunteers guard Zakai Zeigler (5) as he checks out of the game during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

You just know Saturday meant the world to Rick Barnes. It's been a memorable campaign for the Tennessee Vols basketball team and there's still plenty of time left for his playmakers to bring more joy to the fanbase. Following the win against South Carolina, though, it was time to honor the seniors.

Tennessee was able to pull away in the second half and record a dominant 75-65 victory. After the final whistle, Tennessee put together the senior day festivities, with the departing Vols taking center stage. When it was Zakai Zeigler's turn, he was all smiles giving Rick Barnes an emotional hug. There were plenty of tears flying seeing these two together like this in Knoxville after all they've been through. Barnes himself was crying too:

Zakai Zeigler and Rick Barnes shared a touching moment at Tennessee senior day

Anyone else fighting back tears watching that? It's been well documented that Zeigler and Barnes are quite close. The standout point guard has meant so much to the program ever since the Bronx product made the move to UT in 2021.

In today's college basketball landscape, it's easy for players to transfer after a year or two. However, Zeigler knew that he wanted to call Knoxville home until it was time to leave for the pros. Zeigler has established himself as one of the best point guards in the country and Barnes has helped him grow both on and off the floor.

Prior to tip-off on Saturday, Zeigler said that he wanted Vols fans to remember him for being a good person and a solid basketball player. Sorry, Zakai, but that's not good enough. Nope, Tennessee supporters are going to remember you for being a wonderful young man and a standout on the hardwood. His last home game ended with a win, but his career with the team isn't over yet. More incredible moments are surely on the way in the SEC Tournament and NCAA Tournament.

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