Two Tennessee Volunteers basketball players have earned spots on the prestigious John R. Wooden Award Top 15 National Ballot, recognizing them as two of the best players in college basketball this season.
The award, which is presented annually by the Los Angeles Athletic Club, honors the most outstanding player in men’s college basketball. This year, Tennessee’s senior guard Zakai Zeigler and fifth-year guard Chaz Lanier have both received the honor of being included in this elite group.
The Volunteers are the only team in the nation to have two players featured on the final ballot, a testament to the talent and depth of their roster. Alongside Zeigler and Lanier, three other standout players from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) also made the cut.
These players include Johni Broome from Auburn, Walter Clayton Jr. from Florida, and Mark Sears from Alabama. The presence of five SEC athletes among the top 15 underscores the level of competition within the conference and highlights the strong performances these players have delivered throughout the season.
The selection process for the Wooden Award ballot is rigorous, with players being chosen by a panel of esteemed national college basketball experts. These experts evaluate players based on their individual performances, leadership, and contributions to their respective teams. Making it to the final 15 means that these players are not only among the best in the country but also in contention for both the Wooden All-American Team and the highly coveted Wooden Award Player of the Year honor.
Chaz Lanier’s inclusion on the final ballot comes as no surprise, as he had already been recognized earlier in the season. He was previously named to both the Midseason Top 25 Watch List and the Late Season Top 20 Watch List, signifying that he has consistently been viewed as one of the top players in college basketball. His performances throughout the season have reinforced that reputation, and his place among the top 15 is a validation of his hard work and impact on the court.
On the other hand, Zakai Zeigler’s path to the Top 15 ballot has been slightly different. While he was on the initial watch list at the beginning of the season, he did not make the cut for the Late Season Top 20 Watch List. However, he made a strong push late in the season, ultimately earning his way back into the conversation and securing a spot among the final 15 players. In fact, he is one of only three players in the nation to make the final list despite not being included in the top 20, a testament to his resilience and ability to perform at a high level when it mattered most.
Zeigler and Lanier’s achievements reflect not only their individual talent but also the success of Tennessee’s basketball program. The Volunteers have been one of the most competitive teams in college basketball this season, and the recognition of two of their players on the Wooden Award ballot highlights the strength of their roster. Having two players on this prestigious list is a rare feat, and it speaks volumes about the program’s development, coaching, and ability to produce top-tier talent.
For Tennessee fans, this recognition is a point of pride, as it places their team among the elite programs in the country. The Wooden Award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in college basketball, and having two players in the final 15 means that Tennessee is well represented in the national conversation. It also increases the likelihood that at least one of them will be named to the Wooden All-American Team, which would further cement their place among the best players in the sport.
The inclusion of SEC players on the ballot also highlights the strength of the conference this season. With five players from the SEC making the final 15, it’s clear that the conference has been one of the most competitive in the country. Players like Johni Broome, Walter Clayton Jr., and Mark Sears have been instrumental in their teams’ success, and their recognition on this list shows just how talented the conference has been this year. The SEC has long been known as a powerhouse in college athletics, and this year’s Wooden Award ballot reinforces that reputation.
As the season progresses and the NCAA Tournament approaches, both Zeigler and Lanier will have opportunities to further solidify their cases for the Wooden Award. Strong performances in the postseason could enhance their standing in the eyes of voters and increase their chances of ultimately winning the award. Even if neither player wins the top honor, being named to the final 15 is an incredible accomplishment and a recognition of their excellence throughout the season.
The final winner of the Wooden Award will be announced following the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament, with the selection process taking into account both regular-season and postseason performances. For now, Zeigler and Lanier can take pride in being recognized among the best in the nation, and Tennessee fans can celebrate the continued success of their program on the national stage.
Ultimately, having two players on the Wooden Award Top 15 National Ballot is a historic moment for Tennessee basketball. It highlights the team’s talent, the players’ individual growth, and the program’s ability to develop elite athletes. As the Vols continue their push for a deep tournament run, Zeigler and Lanier will be key figures to watch, and their performances could further elevate their standing among the best in college basketball.
