🏀 Who Is Zakai Zeigler?
Zakai Zeigler emerged as one of the most versatile and efficient players in recent Tennessee history. The three-year starter shattered multiple records:
Holds Tennessee’s career steals, assists, and points‑assists double-doubles records .
A dynamic playmaker and floor general, he consistently orchestrated the offense, confidently handling the ball both on and off the bounce.
Zeigler’s all-around production—scoring, playmaking, defense—made him arguably the most complete guard in program history .
Entering the 2025 NBA Draft, projections varied widely:
SI’s mock from June 25 ranked him as a “2nd round – UDFA” candidate—making his going undrafted plausible .
He was overshadowed somewhat by Chaz Lanier, the sharpshooting transfer, projected late in Round 1 or early Round 2 .
Why Did He Fall Through the Cracks?
The draft-night omission of Zeigler can be traced to a few recurring concerns:
1. “Size & Length” Limitations
At around 5’9”, Zeigler is considered undersized for an NBA combo guard. Even though guards like Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry have succeeded, many teams are cautious about investing picks in shorter backcourt players.
2. Medical or Eligibility Questions
A pending eligibility appeal was reported as a looming issue . Teams may have deemed this legal uncertainty too risky, particularly since a draft pick carries contractual commitments.
3. Perceived Positional Ceiling
Despite his statistics, scouts likely weighed his lack of elite athleticism or size against more NBA-ready perimeter prospects. The league’s trend toward “versatile wings” with two-way upside may have counted against him .
4. Draft Night Narrative Focused on Shooters
A narrative took hold around sharpshooters, particularly Lanier, whose Combine metrics and one-and-done scoring profile fit the prototypical role player mold . That took media and GM attention.
Reaction: Shock With Optimism
Though undrafted, Zeigler’s story doesn’t end there:
SI framed him as “nearly impossible” to overlook in the UDFA cycle, citing overall talent and team interest .
Tennessee basketball fans and insiders remain optimistic that he’ll secure a two-way contract or training-camp invite, giving him a path to prove himself.
Zeigler’s legacy at Tennessee remains undeniable—even without hearing his name called:
A three-year anchor who led in steals, assists, and double-doubles,
One of the Volunteers’ most skilled and productive guards,
His memory at TU will outlast any draft night snub.
Comparisons: Zeigler vs. Chaz Lanier
Both Zeigler and Lanier entered the draft from Tennessee, but their profiles diverged sharply:
Player Size & Fit Strengths Key Concerns Outcome
Zeigler ~5′9″ combo guard Playmaking, steals, decision-making Height, athleticism, eligibility issue Undrafted, UDFA outlook
Lanier 6′4″ sharpshooter wing Elite 3-point shooting, age, record-setter Defense, playmaking Drafted 37th (Pistons)
Lanier checked all boxes: size, position, shooting, recent accolade (Jerry West Award), and a strong Combine . That profile aligns perfectly with typical second-round targets.
Zeigler, while complete as a player, lacked the prototypical measurements and had the added legal/cloud risk—making his UDFA path more likely.
What’s Next for Zeigler?
Post-draft, likely scenarios include:
1. Summer League + G League Deal
He could impress through Summer League workouts and earn a two-way or Exhibit 10 contract.
2. Training Camp Invite
Without being drafted, he still may receive interest that gets him into an NBA camp.
3. G League Tryouts
A strong G League season could build long-term NBA attention, much like others (e.g. Ty Jerome, Jordan Hall), who rose through summer and G league success.
4. International Opportunity
Zeigler might explore overseas pro careers, gain experience, return stronger, and try again.
Tennessee fans can be reassured: UNC-sweeper Tony White (6’2″) went undrafted in 1987 but carved out a pro career to prove size isn’t everything .
Final Word
Zakai Zeigler’s going undrafted undoubtedly surprised many. He was a record-setting, multi-year starter, combining leadership, defense, and offensive IQ. But draft realities—his height, legal uncertainties, lack of prototypical athleticism—likely scared teams off.
Still, label him UDFA and the buzz around his talent remains strong. He has everything to carve out a pro path via Summer League, G League, or overseas. His Tennessee legacy is secure, and this feels more like a detour than a dead end.
In the end, Zeigler’s journey reflects the modern draft’s complexity: athletic profile, risk evaluation, and narrative flavor can outweigh even the most balanced collegiate resumes.
TL;DR
Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee’s steals‑, assists‑, and double-double king, went undrafted thanks to size, eligibility uncertainty, and shockingly modern NBA draft trends .
Still expected to sign a UDFA deal, see NBA summer league invites, and pursue a G League or training-camp opportunity .
His Tennessee legacy is preserved—undrafted is not the end, just a tougher beginning.
