Goodbye To ‘The Two Most Accomplished Tennessee Volunteer Players Ever’

By Cody McClure

Did you know that Tennessee won 109 games with Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack on the roster?

Did you know the program was ranked in the Top 25 the entire team this duo was at UT?

Back-to-back Elite 8s, three Sweet 16, and two SEC titles (one regular season, one tournament).

It’s been a hell of a run. The best ever at UT for two players.

“When we look back, I think they will be the two most accomplished Tennessee Volunteer players ever,” Rick Barnes said.

There’s no doubt that the bar has been raised for Tennessee Basketball, despite yesterday’s 69-50 Elite 8 loss to Houston.

It’s hard to say goodbye to two mainstays in the program, but the page must now be turned.

“They made this program a shoo-in Sweet 16, Elite Eight team,” Cade Phillips reportedly said. “That is the bar they have set — the floor that they have raised. …

“If they are remembered for anything short of being winners and elevating this program to a blue-blood level, I don’t know if you can consider yourself a fan of Tennessee.”

Wow. Blue-blood level? Really, the only thing missing is that Final Four.

It’s unfortunate that two of the most beloved players in Tennessee history couldn’t get it, but the quest will continue.

Thanks for the memories, Zakai and Jahmai. Your accomplishments will be remembered forever.

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