Zakai Ziegler’s Legendary Career: Should His No. 5 Jersey Be Retired by Tennessee Basketball?
Michael Allen 
Zakai Zeigler holds up 3 fingers after knocking down a 3 pointer in a game at TBA
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Zakai Ziegler leaves Tennessee as a program icon. With his time on Rocky Top over, should the Vols retire his No. 5 jersey in honor of a historic career?
Zakai Ziegler’s Legacy at Tennessee: Is No. 5 Destined for the Rafters?
The curtain has officially closed on Zakai Ziegler’s remarkable college career. After signing with the Detroit Pistons to play in the NBA Summer League and withdrawing his lawsuit seeking a fifth year of NCAA eligibility, the New York native is moving on from Rocky Top.
But as Ziegler steps into professional basketball, another conversation is already brewing in Knoxville: Should his No. 5 jersey be retired and immortalized in the rafters at Thompson-Boling Arena?
For anyone who has followed Tennessee basketball over the past four years, the answer isn’t so simple — but it’s certainly compelling.
A Career That Rewrote the Record Books
Zakai Ziegler didn’t just leave a mark on the Tennessee basketball program — he carved his name into the record books.
Ziegler departs Knoxville as the program’s all-time leader in assists and steals, two stats that speak volumes about his high basketball IQ, defensive tenacity, and leadership on the court. In an era when offensive flash often overshadows defensive substance, Ziegler became the heart and soul of Rick Barnes’ team on both ends of the floor.
Offensively, his contributions were more than solid. He finished his career with over 1,500 points, placing him 18th on the all-time scoring list at Tennessee. While those numbers might not dazzle in isolation, they take on new meaning when paired with the broader body of work Ziegler put together in Knoxville.
A Decorated Resume
Few players in Tennessee history — or SEC history, for that matter — have matched Ziegler’s list of honors:
- Third-Team All-American (2024)
- Two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2023, 2024)
- Two-time First-Team All-SEC
- One-time Second-Team All-SEC
- Four-time SEC All-Defensive Team Selection
- SEC All-Freshman Team (2021-22)
- 2023 National Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist
- 2024 National Defensive Player of the Year Finalist
This list alone puts Ziegler in rare air among Tennessee greats. He’s one of the most decorated players in program history and one of the fiercest defenders the SEC has seen in recent years. His ability to completely take over games on defense — not just with steals, but with positioning, pressure, and relentless energy — made him a nightmare for opposing point guards and a cornerstone of Tennessee’s identity under Rick Barnes.
A Historic Team Impact
Beyond the accolades, Ziegler was a winner — and his tenure coincided with the most successful stretch of postseason basketball in Tennessee history.
In his four years on Rocky Top, Ziegler helped lead the Volunteers to:
- Two Sweet 16 appearances
- Two Elite 8 appearances
To put that into perspective, Tennessee has only three Elite 8 appearances in program history — and Ziegler was part of two of them. His leadership, toughness, and steadiness at the point guard position were instrumental in helping Tennessee reach new heights in March.
Ziegler also ties Jahmai Mashack as the winningest player in program history, a stat that reflects not just longevity, but consistent excellence and impact.
A Fan Favorite and Program Icon
Zakai Ziegler wasn’t just a great player — he was a beloved one.
From his gritty New York style of play to his emotional resilience after tearing his ACL late in the 2023 season, Ziegler captured the hearts of Vol Nation. His comeback story, leadership in the locker room, and connection with fans made him a face of the program both on and off the court.
When he returned from injury and reclaimed his spot as one of the nation’s best defenders, it was more than just a personal victory — it was a reflection of the culture Tennessee has built under Barnes, and Ziegler was at the center of it.
Ziegler’s energy was contagious. His confidence lifted the team in tough moments. And his identity became synonymous with everything Tennessee basketball aims to be: tough, disciplined, passionate, and relentless.
Comparing to Lofton and Other Legends
The ultimate standard for jersey retirement at Tennessee is Chris Lofton, whose No. 5 jersey was retired in 2023.
Lofton was a legendary scorer and one of the greatest three-point shooters in college basketball history. He holds Tennessee’s all-time 3 point record and helped elevate the program into national relevance during the Bruce Pearl era.
Ziegler’s game was different. He wasn’t the volume scorer that Lofton was, but he brought an equally significant value to the program — leadership, defense, passing, and postseason success. Where Lofton lit up the scoreboard, Ziegler shut down the opposition.
If jersey retirement is about impact, legacy, and contributions to winning, then Ziegler’s resume stacks up favorably.
Should No. 5 Be Retired Again?
This brings us to the million-dollar question: Should Zakai Ziegler’s No. 5 jersey be retired — again — in Thompson-Boling Arena?
While Chris Lofton’s No. 5 already hangs in the rafters, Tennessee does not typically retire numbers, but rather honors jerseys of all-time greats. That leaves the door open for another No. 5 to join the elite club of Tennessee legends recognized for their contributions.
Given his record-setting career, numerous accolades, and role in shaping Tennessee basketball’s most successful era, Ziegler’s case is strong.
Few players have ever meant more to the program on so many levels.
Final Verdict: Raise It to the Rafters
When fans and historians look back on this era of Tennessee basketball, Zakai Ziegler’s name will be among the first mentioned. He changed the culture. He changed the record books. And he helped change the expectations of what Tennessee basketball could be.
So, should No. 5 be honored again in Knoxville?
Yes. Without a doubt. Zakai Ziegler has earned his place in the rafters.
He may be off to the next chapter in Detroit, but his legacy on Rocky Top is eternal.
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