Z.Z. Top: Zakai Zeigler Closes Fundraiser, Thanks Tennessee Fans in Statement
It’s been quite the week for Tennessee freshman Zakai Zeigler. On Sunday, Feb. 27, Zeigler’s family lost their residence in New York due to a tragic fire. However, in the following week, the college basketball world united with the Tennessee fanbase and Tennessee athletics to do something truly incredible.
After a GoFundMe was posted to raise money for the fire relief and recovery efforts, more than 363,000 dollars were raised in less than 72 hours.
Zeigler was able to meet with the media in Knoxville on Monday as the Vols prepare for the SEC Tournament at the end of this week. While speaking to the media, Zeigler talked about the fundraiser last week and what it meant to him and his family to see that kind of support.
“It meant everything,” Zeigler said about the fundraiser. “I didn’t even expect the support to be that much. I knew everybody had love for me, but after that, it just blew me and my family away. Nothing but great words for Vol Nation.”
Additionally, Zeigler also spoke about the week ahead for Tennessee Basketball. After landing as the No. 2 seed in the SEC Tournament this week in Tampa, the Vols’ first game will come this Friday evening against either South Carolina or Mississippi State.
Before his press conference, though, Zeigler had a surprise in store as the Tennessee freshman turned around to unveil a Tony Vitello Tennessee Baseball shirt jersey. Just last week during the Vols’ game against Auburn, Vitello was courtside at the game wearing a Zeigler shirt jersey, which caught quite a bit of attention.
Tennessee HC Tony Vitello with the Zakai Zeigler jersey on during the game. pic.twitter.com/qt7i05oimB
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) February 26, 2022
Below is the full press conference for Tennessee freshman point guard Zakai Zeigler on Monday in Knoxville.
