With two Tennessee basketball players selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, a few former Vols had to explore alternative paths.
For Zakai Zeigler, Jordan Gainey and Igor Milicic Jr., that path runs through the NBA Summer League — an offseason proving ground for young players trying to earn roster spots. Each of the three seniors received Summer League opportunities once the draft concluded, earning the chance to showcase their skills in the league’s offseason tournament.
Here’s a look at where the trio landed.
Zakai Zeigler — Detroit Pistons
One of the best stories in college basketball over the last four seasons, Zeigler has landed on his feet with a Summer League roster invite with the Detroit Pistons. Zeigler will reunite with 37th overall pick Chaz Lanier.
Zeigler spent four years at Tennessee, etching himself throughout the record books. The 5-foot-9 point guard closed his career as the Vols’ all-time career assist leader with 747, while holding the single-season mark at 227. The career number ranks third in SEC history. He added the all-time steals record with 215.
Zeigler showed steady progression throughout his career, culminating in his best season as a senior. This season, Zeigler averaged 13.6 points and 7.4 assists per game — leading the conference by more than two assists an outing. He added 1.9 steals per game on the other end of the court. His play landed him as a First Team All-SEC selection while taking home the conference’s defensive player of the year honors.
Over his four years, Zeigler added two first-team All-SEC selections and a second-team All-SEC selection to pair with four All-SEC Defensive Team selections — becoming the only player in conference history to accomplish that feat. He added an AP Third Team All-American selection in his senior year.
Zeigler, alongside fellow four-year Vol Jahmai Mashack, played his entire career on a nationally ranked team. The two helped contribute to 109 wins during their time, adding two of the program’s top three finishes ever in the Elite Eight back-to-back years.
Jordan Gainey — Phoenix Suns
A two-year player, and one of the best sixth men in the country, his final season, Gainey was a pillar for success during the Vols’ Elite Eight run in 2025. Now, the Tucson, Arizona, native heads back west to join the Phoenix Suns on their NBA Summer League roster.
Gainey indulged in a successful senior season, posting 11.6 points per game off the bench. His contributions were most felt in the postseason, where he kicked into another gear.
The controlled driver was most effective around the rim, but played his way into being Tennessee’s second-leading scorer in the NCAA Tournament. Gainey averaged 13.3 points per game in the tournament, shooting 46% from the field and 37.5% from three.
Gainey’s season-best output came in the SEC Championship game against Florida, posting 24 points against the soon-to-be national champions. Gainey attacked the rim at will, finishing with a 7-for-15 mark from the field with an 8-for-9 stroke at the free throw line. He added 17 points in the Vols’ season-ending loss to Houston to lead the team.
His most memorable moment came against Illinois on December 14, 2024, driving coast-to-coast for a game-winning layup. Gainey’s shot kept Tennessee undefeated and allowed the Vols to maintain the nation’s No. 1 ranking on the road.
Igor Milicic Jr. — Philadelphia 76ers
Milicic shined in the early season as a senior transfer from Charlotte by way of Virginia. After the draft concluded, the 6-foot-10 Croatian inked a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers on an Exhibit 10 contract.
During his senior year in Knoxville, Milicic averaged 9.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He was a mainstay in the starting lineup, posting 37 starts while shooting 47.2% from the field and 31.4% from three as a stretch big.
Milicic’s best performances came in non-conference play, finding success on the glass. The forward generated a team lead in rebounds during the first two months of the season. He broke out to average 10.0 rebounds per contest over six games in December.
His top outing came in the first game of conference play. In a “welcome to the SEC” fashion, Milicic stuffed the stat sheet against rival coach John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks. In a strong SEC debut, Milicic posted a career-high 18 rebounds, 13 points and five assists in a double-double performance against Arkansas.
All three players face an uphill battle to secure a full-time NBA roster spot, but each has a legitimate chance to impress and earn a place in the G-League. Summer League action tips off July 10 and runs through July 20 in Las Vegas.
