Former Tennessee Volunteers basketball star Zakai Zeigler is heading to Europe, signing a professional contract with Nanterre 92, a top-tier team in France’s LNB Élite (formerly LNB Pro A), one of the most competitive leagues in Europe. The club, located in a western suburb of Paris, announced the signing on July 23 via social media, officially beginning Zeigler’s overseas professional journey.
Zeigler, known for his fiery play and elite defensive skills, made headlines in college basketball with the Tennessee Volunteers, where he was twice named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. He made history as the first four-time SEC All-Defensive Team selection and became only the second player in SEC history—alongside Mississippi State’s Jarvis Varnado—to win the Defensive Player of the Year award multiple times outright.
His decision to go overseas comes after a strong showing with the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Summer League. Though undrafted, Zeigler averaged 9.0 points, 3.0 assists, and hit an impressive 45.5% from three-point range across four games, drawing attention for his smart playmaking and defensive grit.
In his final season at Tennessee, Zeigler posted career-high numbers, averaging 13.1 points, 7.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. He was a finalist for the prestigious Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation’s top point guard, and received national attention from multiple outlets, including being named an All-America Honorable Mention by College Hoops Today.
Nanterre 92, Zeigler’s new team, plays its home games at the Palais des Sports Maurice Thorez and has a rich history, including one French Championship, two French Cup titles, and a FIBA Europe Cup championship. Zeigler is expected to bring energy, leadership, and defensive tenacity to a club looking to climb back to the top of French basketball.
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes offered glowing praise for Zeigler, saying, “If you know his background, you can’t help but love him. What he’s done for his family through NIL and his own hard work—it’s special. He’s a warrior.”
From Long Island, New York, to Knoxville, and now Paris, Zakai Zeigler’s basketball journey continues with fire, purpose, and the same heart that made him a Vols fan favorite.
