Zakai Zeigler’s journey to winning the prestigious 2025 Bob Cousy Award is nothing short of extraordinary. A key figure in the University of Tennessee Volunteers’ basketball team, Zeigler’s rise to prominence has been both a testament to his skills on the court and his resilience off it. His achievement of the Bob Cousy Award, an accolade recognizing the best point guard in college basketball, serves as a shining example of his commitment, hard work, and unmatched basketball IQ.
The Bob Cousy Award has been a prestigious honor in college basketball since its inception in 2004, named after the legendary Hall of Fame point guard Bob Cousy. Cousy’s contributions to the game—particularly his revolutionary style of play, creativity, and court vision—set the stage for future generations of point guards. The award is presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and celebrates the most outstanding point guard in college basketball.
As the point guard is often considered the floor general, the quarterback of a basketball team, winning this award is no small feat. It requires not only technical skill but also leadership, vision, and the ability to elevate the play of teammates. Throughout its history, the award has been given to some of the brightest stars in the sport, including Chris Paul, Jalen Brunson, and Trae Young.
Zakai Zeigler’s name now sits among this distinguished list of players, making history as one of the most dynamic point guards in college basketball. To understand the significance of his accomplishment, we must first explore his journey to the top of his game.
Born in New York, Zakai Zeigler was raised in the heart of basketball culture. A product of the New York City public school system, where the competition is fierce, Zeigler developed his love for the game early on. Despite his relatively small stature (standing at 5’9”), Zeigler’s determination, quickness, and basketball IQ set him apart. He may not have had the physical attributes of many of his peers, but his mental acuity on the court made him a formidable opponent.
His high school career at Long Island Lutheran High School was filled with ups and downs, but his exceptional skills as a floor general caught the attention of recruiters across the country. Despite not being a consensus five-star recruit, his playmaking ability, vision, and leadership qualities impressed the University of Tennessee coaching staff, leading to his commitment to the Vols.
When Zeigler arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee, expectations were high. His ability to handle the ball, direct the offense, and defend at an elite level made him an immediate asset to the Vols. Head coach Rick Barnes recognized his potential from the outset, and by his freshman year, Zeigler was already being asked to take on significant responsibilities for the team.
While Zeigler showed promise in his first two seasons at Tennessee, it was in the 2024-2025 campaign where he truly came into his own. The Volunteers, who had already established themselves as one of the top teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), relied heavily on Zeigler’s leadership and playmaking to reach new heights. Zeigler, who had grown into a confident and polished point guard, embraced the challenge.
As the season unfolded, it became clear that Zeigler had elevated his game to another level. His ability to control the tempo of the game, distribute the ball, and create opportunities for his teammates was evident in every game he played. His assists per game skyrocketed, and his vision on the court became unparalleled. He was not just a facilitator; he was the heartbeat of the Tennessee offense, making everyone around him better.
Zeigler’s offensive numbers were stellar. He averaged 12.5 points per game while maintaining an impressive shooting efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. However, what truly set him apart was his unselfishness. Zeigler led the SEC in assists, regularly recording double-digit assist games and putting his teammates in positions to succeed. He was a master of pick-and-roll situations, always able to read defenses and find the open man. His passing ability, whether it was a no-look pass, a lob, or threading the needle through traffic, became a staple of Tennessee’s offensive identity.
Beyond the statistics, Zeigler’s leadership was vital to Tennessee’s success. He was the emotional leader on the court, constantly communicating with his teammates, providing motivation, and pushing them to perform at their highest level. Whether Tennessee was up by 20 or down by 10, Zeigler remained calm, collected, and in control. His leadership was not just verbal—it was demonstrated through his tenacious defense, his ability to take over games when needed, and his willingness to sacrifice personal accolades for the success of the team.
One of Zeigler’s standout performances of the season came during a pivotal matchup against the University of Alabama, a team that had long been Tennessee’s main rival. In a game that was expected to be a back-and-forth battle for the SEC title, Zeigler played one of the most complete games of his career. He finished with 18 points, 12 assists, and 4 steals, leading Tennessee to a critical victory. His defensive pressure on Alabama’s star guard disrupted the opposing offense, while his court vision helped Tennessee break down Alabama’s defense time and time again.
Another key game that highlighted Zeigler’s dominance came in the SEC Tournament championship, where the Vols faced the University of Kentucky. In a high-stakes contest that would determine the top seed in the NCAA Tournament, Zeigler was nothing short of spectacular. He not only contributed offensively but also played lockdown defense against one of the SEC’s top scorers. His ability to control the flow of the game and make clutch plays in key moments was one of the major reasons Tennessee was able to secure the win.
By the time the 2025 NCAA Tournament rolled around, Zeigler’s case for the Bob Cousy Award was all but sealed. His all-around performance throughout the season, coupled with his leadership and impact on both ends of the floor, made him the clear favorite for the honor. When the award was announced, the basketball world erupted in applause for the young point guard who had worked tirelessly to reach this moment.
For Zeigler, winning the Bob Cousy Award was more than just a personal accomplishment—it was the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. The recognition solidified his place as one of the best point guards in the nation and affirmed his legacy at Tennessee.
While the 2025 Bob Cousy Award will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of Zakai Zeigler’s basketball career, it is not the only mark he will leave on college basketball. His leadership, unselfishness, and ability to elevate his teammates’ play make him one of the most beloved players in Tennessee basketball history.
As Zeigler prepares for the next chapter of his career, whether it be in the NBA or another professional league, the impact he has had on Tennessee’s program will be felt for years to come. His legacy will be remembered not only for his individual accomplishments but also for the way he helped elevate Tennessee basketball to new heights.
For younger point guards who aspire to one day win the Bob Cousy Award, Zeigler’s journey will serve as an inspiration. His story proves that with hard work, resilience, and an unrelenting passion for the game, anything is possible. Zakai Zeigler has earned his place in basketball history, and the 2025 Bob Cousy Award is just one more testament to his greatness.
As the University of Tennessee Volunteers continue to build on the foundation Zeigler helped establish, his influence will continue to shape the future of the program and the college basketball landscape. His name will forever be etched in the history of the sport as one of the most dominant point guards to ever play the game.
