Locker Room Access - Tennessee

by Houston Wilson

Top 30 ranked senior Matthew Able recently decommitted from Miami and has since reopened his recruitment, exploring new options.  The 6'5" shooting guard out of Sagemont Prep (FL) has been actively visiting schools, with stops at Tennessee on Saturday and Alabama on Wednesday.  He spoke with Locker Room Access about his ongoing process.  

“It’s been a little crazy, especially balancing everything with school, but overall, it’s been good,” Able shared. “My circle and I have had a lot of conversations about different schools. While it’s been hectic at times, it’s still an exciting experience.”

Able was highly impressed by what he saw in Knoxville.

“Tennessee was amazing. The environment was electric—it was a sold-out crowd, and witnessing that game-winning shot in person was incredible. Seeing basketball played at such a high level was truly special,” he said. “I also had great conversations with Coach Barnes and the rest of the staff.”

When asked about the message from Rick Barnes and his staff, Able emphasized the opportunity they presented.

“Their main message was that they love the kind of player I am. They’re losing a lot of guys next year with all the seniors moving on, so there will be plenty of minutes available,” he explained. “Obviously, I’ll have to come in and earn those minutes, but knowing there’s a real opportunity is definitely appealing.”

Watching Tennessee in person gave Able a clear vision of how he could fit into their system.

“After seeing them play, I really think I’d fit well in their system as both a ball handler and a scorer,” he noted. “I see a lot of things Chaz Lanier does that I could replicate, but I also feel like I bring something different as a primary ball handler, which is something they’ll need next year.”

Beyond basketball, the overall atmosphere of the campus also stood out to him.

“I really liked the feel of the campus. Everything is close and within walking distance, but at the same time, it’s big enough to have plenty of things to do.”

Able followed up his Tennessee trip with an unofficial visit to Alabama, where he attended their matchup against Florida.

“It was another great visit. I really enjoyed my time in Tuscaloosa,” he said. “Watching two top-five teams compete in another intense environment was awesome. Even though Alabama didn’t come out with the win, it was great to see how Coach Nate Oats runs his system.”

As for his recruitment timeline, Able isn’t rushing to make a decision.

“I’ll be at Baylor on Saturday for their game against Houston, which should be another great matchup,” he said. “Other than that, I don’t have anything else scheduled yet. I’m just going to keep talking to these schools and see if I plan any more visits. I don’t really have a set timeline for when I’ll commit.”

Give us a follow on X @LRA_Vols for more content, and join the discussion on the new Locker Room Access Tennessee forum to stay filled in on all the latest Vol rumblings.  

(Image credit: Tennessee Athletics)

By Pablo Cong

Beyond the numbers

For the past four years, Knoxville, Tennessee, has been home to point guard Zakai Zeigler, who has become both a fan favorite and a local celebrity. Knoxville is known for its hard working culture and passionate support of its sports programs, and Zeigler has embodied those same qualities. With relentless ball-hawking defense, high energy, and leadership by example, he became the heartbeat of Tennessee basketball—a player who gives 100% effort on every play.

He is exactly what head coach Rick Barnes envisioned when he recruited the Long Island, New York, native: a tough, fearless competitor who sets the tone on both ends of the floor. Now, as the Vols prepare for life without him, the question looms: How does Tennessee replace a player who was more than just statistics? 

Zeigler's influence on the court was undeniable. Though undersized, he excelled as a relentless on-ball defender, disrupting opposing guards, facilitating the offense, and making clutch plays on both sides of the ball when it mattered most.

Accolades

During his time in Knoxville, Zeigler amassed an impressive list of accolades, further cementing his status as a beloved figure in the community. His relentless work ethic and passion for the game made it easy for fans to rally behind him. They say leaders are born, but Zakai was not only born to lead—he was shaped and molded into the exceptional leader he is today. Barnes took his time with Zeigler, allowing him to develop and grow into his role, a decision that ultimately paid off.

- 2024 SEC Defensive Player of the Year

- 2024 First-Team All-SEC

- 2023 Second-Team All-SEC

- 2022-2024 Three-time SEC All-Defensive Team selection 

- 2022 SEC All-Freshman Team 

Replacement options

With Zakai Zeigler’s departure, Tennessee has several options to fill the point guard vacancy. One possibility is looking overseas, as international prospects have become an increasingly valuable pipeline for college programs. Another route is targeting transfers, who often bring experience and can make an immediate impact. However, in the high school ranks, most top point guards are already committed—except for Chance Mallory, whom Tennessee is actively pursuing. The Vols hosted Mallory for an official visit from January 31 to February 2, and early reports suggest they made a strong impression. 

Mallory is seriously considering Tennessee, and his skill set aligns well with what Rick Barnes looks for in a floor general. Like Zeigler, Mallory is an undersized but dynamic guard, known for his scoring mentality and disruptive defense. If Barnes secures his commitment, Mallory could be a seamless replacement, bringing energy, toughness, and playmaking to the Vols' backcourt just as Ziegler did. 

Final Thoughts  

Replacing the heart and soul of a team is never easy, but in sports, transitions are inevitable. Players move on, and new faces step in to carry the torch. Ultimately, it’s up to the next group to play hard, win games, and earn the trust of both the coaching staff and the passionate Tennessee fanbase. Now, the question on every Volunteer fan’s mind is: who will rise to the occasion and take the reins? 

Let’s go RockyTop!

Join the Vol discussion on the new Locker Room Access Tennessee forum.  And give us a follow on X @LRA_Vols for more content from Pablo Cong and the rest of the Locker Room Access team.

By Pablo Cong ​ ​

The Vols have plenty to celebrate—not just their thrilling buzzer-beater win over Alabama, but also the presence of recently decommitted four-star guard/wing Matthew Able. Able, who reopened his recruitment after withdrawing his pledge to Miami, likely made the decision following the retirement of Hurricanes head coach Jim Larrañaga in December. Tennessee wasted no time getting the first crack at his recruitment, hosting him for a visit on March 1st, where he witnessed an electrifying Vols victory over the Crimson Tide.

Able, a 6-foot-5 senior at Sagemont Prep in Florida, is ranked No. 30 overall and No. 8 among shooting guards in the 2025 class. His decommitment creates a major opportunity for Tennessee and other programs looking for an athletic wing and elite slasher.

Able’s ability to score and finish with both power and finesse around the rim makes him a highly sought-after prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact. His slashing ability is another standout aspect of his game—he’s known for making timely cuts and finishing through contact. He would be a strong fit in Rick Barnes’ system, where paint touches are a key part of the offensive philosophy along with a strong defensive presence that he potentially brings.

Bright Spot

With Tennessee losing its starting wings, Lanier and Mashack, their departures could play a pivotal role in Able’s recruitment, as he’s looking for a program where he can make an immediate impact. His decision-making process isn’t expected to be prolonged—he’s set to take his remaining visits and announce his choice soon after.  The prized guard will visit Alabama and Baylor this week, with those teams likely the top competition for the Vols. 

Tennessee can only hope that the momentum of his recent campus visit holds weight and they can add him to an already strong class featuring commitments from shooting guard Amari Evans and center DeWayne Brown. 

Go Vols!

Come discuss Matthew Able’s recruitment and all things Vols in the Locker Room Access Tennessee forum.  And give us a follow on X @LRA_Vols for more great content from Pablo Cong and the rest of the Locker Room Access team.