HISTORY-MAKING NIGHT: Jahmai and Zeigler Make Waves at Naismith Awards, Bringing Pride to Rocky Top
ATLANTA, GA — In what can only be described as a history-making night for the University of Tennessee, Jahmai Mashack and Zakai Zeigler etched their names into the national spotlight, bringing home prestigious honors at the 2025 Naismith Awards Ceremony and cementing their legacies in the heart of Rocky Top.
Held at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, the star-studded event drew the best and brightest in college basketball. But no fan base had more to celebrate than Tennessee’s, as both Mashack and Zeigler delivered emotional moments that will be remembered for years to come.
Zeigler Named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year
In a unanimous decision that drew a standing ovation, Zakai Zeigler was crowned the Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year, a fitting recognition for one of the most tenacious and disruptive defenders in all of college basketball.
The 5-foot-9 point guard has long played bigger than his frame, and this season he took it to another level—averaging 2.6 steals per game, hounding top scorers, diving for loose balls, and serving as the vocal engine of Tennessee’s elite defense.
“This isn’t just for me—it’s for every player who was ever told they were too small, not strong enough, or didn’t fit the mold,” Zeigler said through tears. “Tennessee believed in me, and I gave everything I had back.”
Zeigler becomes the first Volunteer to win the Naismith Defensive honor, and his achievement sparked celebration across Knoxville and beyond. Social media lit up with tributes from NBA stars, alumni, and fans, with many praising his grit, heart, and leadership.
“Zakai plays like he’s 6’5”. He’s a nightmare for any guard,” said ESPN analyst Jay Bilas. “He absolutely deserves this.”
Mashack Wins the Heart of the Nation With Impact Player Award
While Zeigler was locking down opponents, Jahmai Mashack was quietly building his own case for greatness—and on Saturday night, he received the Naismith Impact Player Award, an honor recognizing not just on-court performance, but also leadership, community involvement, and perseverance.
Mashack, a junior wing, became a staple of Tennessee’s success in the 2024–25 season. Known for his energy, unselfish play, and ability to guard all five positions, he also led team initiatives for mental health awareness and volunteered countless hours in Knoxville’s youth mentorship programs.
“I didn’t expect this, but I’m incredibly honored,” Mashack said in his acceptance speech. “Basketball has given me a platform, and I just try to use it to uplift others, whether that’s teammates, kids, or people struggling. This is for them.”
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes called the night “one of the proudest of my coaching career.”
“These two young men are the embodiment of everything good about college basketball,” Barnes said. “They work, they care, and they carry themselves with integrity. They’ve made our program better, and tonight, the world saw why.”
A Banner Moment for Rocky Top
The dual honors marked the first time in school history that two Tennessee players were awarded Naismith honors in the same year, a testament to the program’s steady rise to national relevance under Barnes’ leadership.
For a fan base known for its passion and pride, the night was a vindication of years of hard work, team culture, and belief.
“This is what Tennessee basketball is all about,” said alum and former Vols player Grant Williams in a social media post. “We build tough, smart, and selfless guys. Big love to Jahmai and Zakai—y’all made us proud.”
Looking Ahead
While both players face different futures—Zeigler is expected to test the NBA waters, while Mashack may return for one final run—there is no denying that April 5th, 2025, will go down in Vols history as a defining moment for the program.
As Tennessee fans sang “Rocky Top” late into the Atlanta night, the message was clear: this wasn’t just about awards. It was about legacy. And thanks to Zeigler and Mashack, that legacy is burning brighter than ever.
