Tennessee has two finalists for Defensive Player of the Year

The Tennessee Volunteers have two standout defenders, Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack. They were recently named finalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. This announcement was made by the Atlanta Tipoff Club on Friday. Tennessee is the only team in the nation with two finalists for this award. Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack excel at stopping their opponents. They are known for their speed, long arms, and relentless approach to defense. Tennessee's head coach, Rick Barnes, praised their intensity and leadership. He believes their defensive skills help the entire team. The Volunteers have one of the best defenses in the country. They allowed only 63 points per game this season and held opponents to 38.4% shooting. This made them one of the top teams in the Southeastern Conference for defense. Their ability to defend against three-point shots was also impressive, ranking third in the nation. Other players on the team recognize the impact Zeigler and Mashack have. Senior guard Jordan Gainey mentioned how their leadership sets expectations for all teammates. Forward Felix Okpara noted that having two strong defenders makes it easier for the rest of the team to focus on their roles. UCLA head coach Mick Cronin expressed regret for not having the chance to recruit Mashack in the past. He acknowledged that Mashack is a great fit at Tennessee. The Volunteers will face UCLA in a Sweet 16 game, showcasing their defensive skills on a big stage.