This kid is forever going to be remembered as a Tennessee basketball legend. It's hard to come up with the right words for senior point guard Zakai Zeigler, as he has been a joy to watch throughout his career in Knoxville. He's been the textbook definition of a standout player.
Need further proof of that? On Monday, conference awards were released and for the second consecutive season Zeigler was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. No surprise there, as he was a force on that end of the hardwood.
It turns out Zeigler has made some pretty unreal history too. With this latest Defensive Player of the Year nod, it marks the fourth year in a row he has taken home all-defensive team honors. With that, he's the first player in the SEC to EVER get that done. Goodness.
Zakai Zeigler was once again named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year
In addition to the defensive nod, Zeigler was also named First-Team All-SEC. He wasn't the only Vols star to get some love, as Chaz Lanier was named the Newcomer of the Year, while also being named to the All-SEC Second Team.
Fellow senior Jahmai Mashack, who is still getting love from Vols fans over his game-winner vs. Alabama, was also on the All-SEC Defensive Team. Now, Mashack, Lanier and Zeigler are ready to help the Vols go on a deep run in the SEC Tournament.
Tennessee won't be in action until Friday, as it will take on either Texas, Vanderbilt or Texas A&M in the quarterfinals. A potential date with No. 3 Auburn is on the way in the semifinals too if both teams are able to take care of business.
After that, all the attention and focus will be on the NCAA Tournament, with the Vols projected to take home a No. 2 seed. People are starting to get emotional in saying goodbye to the senior class, but there's still plenty of time left in the season. Zeigler will be ready to go out with a bang and add to his already incredible Tennessee legacy.