KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Basketball racked up the SEC honors on Monday after Zakai Zeigler took home SEC Defensive Player of the Year, according to the University of Tennessee.
Zeigler also was named First Team All-SEC as well as the All-Defensive team, the league office announced Monday.
Zeigler had a phenomenal season, particularly when you consider he recovered from a torn ACL that happened last March. Before the injury, Zeigler also faced personal adversity after his family's home burned down in New York. Tennessee Volunteers worked together to raise more than $350,000 to help his family.
The junior guard averaged 11.6 points with 2.7 rebounds and led the SEC with 6 assists per game in the regular season, UT said.
Tennessee's Dalton Knecht also took home SEC Player of the Year. Knecht was the first Vol since Grant Williams to earn the honor.
Jonas Aidoo was able to earn Second Team All-SEC distinction.
"I am thrilled for Dalton, Zakai and Jonas," head coach Rick Barnes said. "Each of them contributed significantly to our team winning the regular season championship in the best league in the country. All three are so deserving of these honors based off their excellent play throughout the year."