I was told not to worry about Tennessee’s backcourt because it was a near inevitablity that Zakai Zeigler & Jordan Gainey were coming back.

As the dust settles from another rollercoaster college basketball season, fanbases across the country are anxiously watching the transfer portal and draft declarations, unsure of what the next version of their team will look like. But if you’re a Tennessee Volunteers fan, especially one worried about the state of the backcourt heading into the 2025 season, it’s time to exhale. Because one thing has become crystal clear: Zakai Zeigler and Jordan Gainey are coming back to Rocky Top.

For months, the speculation around Tennessee’s offseason plans swirled with rumors of potential departures, especially after the Vols’ deep March Madness run and another year under Rick Barnes’ increasingly national spotlight. But behind the scenes, those close to the program kept repeating the same reassuring words: “Don’t worry about the backcourt.” And now, with Zakai Zeigler and Jordan Gainey both expected to return for another season, that statement feels more like a promise than a platitude.

This is not just good news. This is monumental news for Tennessee basketball.

Zeigler: The Heartbeat of the Vols

Let’s start with Zakai Zeigler. Since arriving on campus, Zeigler has grown into one of the most beloved and inspiring players in recent Tennessee history. Undersized by basketball standards at 5’9″, but packing a giant’s heart, Zeigler embodies the grit and tenacity that define Rick Barnes’ teams. He’s become the team’s emotional leader, defensive pest, and late-game decision-maker all in one.

What makes Zeigler’s return so valuable isn’t just what he brings statistically—though 11.8 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.0 steals per game certainly don’t hurt. It’s the way he controls the pace of a game, the way he gets in opponents’ heads on defense, and the way the team rallies around him in critical moments. No one orchestrates Barnes’ system like Zeigler. His basketball IQ, ball-handling under pressure, and ability to turn defense into offense are rare at the collegiate level.

And then there’s his story—overcoming a torn ACL in 2023, rehabbing with relentless dedication, and returning stronger and more poised. Zeigler’s return isn’t just about basketball. It’s about legacy. And for a Tennessee team aiming for another deep tournament run, having that kind of leadership on the floor can make all the difference.

Gainey: The Sharpshooter with Swagger

Then there’s Jordan Gainey. The USC Upstate transfer made an immediate impact in his first year on Rocky Top, quickly establishing himself as a perimeter threat and a complementary ball-handler. While his numbers—7.4 points per game with nearly 37% from beyond the arc—may not jump off the page at first glance, his value goes well beyond the box score.

Gainey plays with confidence and a shooter’s memory, capable of catching fire and swinging momentum in a heartbeat. He stretches defenses, spaces the floor, and punishes teams that collapse on Tennessee’s bigger wings or double in the post. In games where the Vols needed a spark off the bench, Gainey often provided it. And defensively, he’s no slouch either—quick hands, active feet, and a keen understanding of angles make him an asset on both ends.

The idea of pairing Zeigler and Gainey for another season should have Vols fans fired up. Not only are they individually effective, but together they bring balance and experience to a backcourt that can go toe-to-toe with any in the SEC.

The Importance of Continuity

One of the major challenges in today’s college basketball landscape is roster turnover. The transfer portal and NBA Draft have created a climate where consistency is rare. So when a program like Tennessee retains two veteran guards who understand the system, the culture, and the expectations—it’s a massive win.

The Vols aren’t just bringing back talent; they’re bringing back chemistry, cohesion, and leadership. Zeigler and Gainey know each other’s games. They’ve been through the wars together. And perhaps most importantly, they’ve experienced both success and heartbreak in March, which is invaluable when preparing for another postseason push.

With their return, Tennessee won’t have to “rebuild” the backcourt. They’ll reload, with veterans guiding the way and young players stepping into defined roles.

What It Means for the 2025 Team

With Zeigler and Gainey anchoring the backcourt, the Vols can now build with confidence around them. The frontcourt may see some changes—Jonas Aidoo’s status remains a question, and new recruits will be integrated—but having a seasoned backcourt allows Barnes to get creative with lineups.

It also opens the door for more consistent offensive execution. One of the keys to Barnes’ offensive philosophy is having guards who can initiate the offense, protect the ball, and make smart decisions out of pick-and-rolls. Zeigler and Gainey both do that. Add in Gainey’s ability to knock down perimeter shots, and Tennessee’s spacing and tempo both get a boost.

And let’s not forget how crucial defense is to this team’s identity