Status of Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee As Season Approaches
The Tennessee basketball community remembers all too well the injuries they dealt with last season. From Santiago Vescovi's injury early in the season to Josiah-Jordan James' injury in conference play to Zakai Zeigler's injury that ended his season in late February, the Vols were dealing with all sorts of missing pieces last year. With the season fast approaching, here's how the Vols injuries currently look.
Every report since the recovery process started has indicated that Zeigler was doing well. In mid-July, Rick Barnes said that his point guard was ahead of schedule but wasn't coming back until he was 100% (which he said was likely late Fall). However, Barnes said in September that he wouldn't be surprised if Zeigler were ready for the season opener.
In an article by Mike Wilson of the Knoxville News Sentinel, Zeigler is quoted from SEC Media Days on Wednesday saying that he's almost at 100% and feels "right at the finish line." In the meantime, Barnes noted that Zeigler has been doing half-court work at practice but has not started participating in full-court stuff yet. It's pretty remarkable where Zeigler is at. At this point, it hasn't even been eight months since the injury, and there's a chance he could be on the floor opening night.
While we'd love to see Zeigler back on the floor on opening night, it is still important that he can go at 100%. You can take care of Tennessee Tech and Wofford with or without Zeigler, and while a road game at Wisconsin is tough, a loss there doesn't damage what your resumé will end up being. The Badgers are a good team, and a road loss there without Zeigler won't be frowned upon when Selection Sunday comes around. If Zeigler is as close as it's being made out to be, he could be ready for the Maui Invitational.
Wilson also reports that some freshmen have been dealing with injuries outside of Zeigler. Cameron Carr is currently in concussion protocol after hitting his head at practice and has no timetable for a return. J.P. Estrella also returned to practice after recovering from a fractured finger.
Overall, it's fair to say that teams are dealing with fewer injuries than Tennessee right now, but this is why the Vols attacked the off-season the way they did. They have plenty of depth and guys to fill every role. Despite not being young, they're certainly more experienced than they were a year ago. A lot of younger players getting experience last year will benefit the Vols this season.
Tennessee Volunteers PG Zakai Zeigler ahead of the 2023 season. (Photo by Caitie McMekin of the News Sentinel)
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