Tennessee men’s basketball continues to dominate defensively, with senior guards Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack named semifinalists for the 2025 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. The Atlanta Tipoff Club revealed the list Wednesday, showcasing the nation’s top defensive standouts.
Zeigler and Mashack are the only pair of teammates among the 10 semifinalists, underlining their pivotal roles in Tennessee’s elite defense this season. Zeigler, a three-time semifinalist, and Mashack, a first-time honoree, have both been instrumental in the Volunteers’ defensive dominance.
Zeigler, from Long Island, New York, is no stranger to accolades. The 5-foot-9 guard is the reigning two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, one of only three players to achieve this milestone in conference history. He also stands alone as a four-time SEC All-Defensive Team selection. Zeigler’s career 239 steals rank 11th in SEC history, and his defensive box plus-minus (DBPM) of 4.80 is among the top 10 in the last 15 seasons. This season, he has tallied 58 steals, placing him third in the SEC, with opponents struggling to keep up with his relentless energy and defensive acumen.
Mashack, hailing from Fontana, California, has emerged as one of the most versatile defenders in college basketball. The 6-foot-4 guard is posting a DBPM of 7.1 this season, ranking third nationally. With 49 steals and 19 blocks, Mashack is one of only nine Power Five players to achieve such numbers this year. According to Synergy Sports, opponents are shooting just 32.8% when guarded by Mashack, emphasizing his ability to shut down top scorers. His efforts earned him a spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team and recognition as the 2024-25 Field of 68 National Defensive Player of the Year.
Together, Zeigler and Mashack anchor a Tennessee defense that leads the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency (88.5), field-goal percentage defense (37.7%), and effective field-goal percentage defense (44.0%). The Volunteers also rank second in three-point percentage defense (27.7%) and seventh in scoring defense (61.9 points per game).
The duo joins a prestigious group of semifinalists, including Cooper Flagg (Duke), Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton), and Denver Jones (Auburn). Four finalists will be announced during the NCAA Tournament, with the award presented in April.
As Tennessee prepares for postseason play, beginning with the SEC Tournament quarterfinals on Friday, Zeigler and Mashack remain the cornerstone of a defense that could take the Volunteers deep into March. Congratulations to these defensive dynamos on their well-earned recognition!
“Tennessee’s Dynamic Defensive Duo: Zeigler and Mashack Shut Down the Competition!”
