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Imagining Tennessee basketball dream NIL deals for Zakai Zeigler, Santiago Vescovi, other returning Vols

mike wilson, knoxville news sentinel
·3 min read

John Fulkerson set the bar for Tennessee basketball players and NIL deals when the Kingsport native signed a deal with Pal's in 2021.

It made perfect sense as the NIL world began, a world that is now booming.

Here's imagining some dream NIL pairings for the players returning for the Vols this season:

Santiago Vescovi − Knoxville Chess Collective

Vescovi is back for a fifth season at Tennessee and should have his pick of NIL possibilities. Knoxville restaurants such as Chivo make sense. So would any store that sells yerba mate. But keeping it simple and sweet: Vescovi enjoys playing chess so why not pair up with a local group that wants to promise the game? Vescovi's NIL situation is complicated because of his student visa as an international student from Uruguay, which limits the manner in which he can earn NIL money.

MOVER: Santiago Vescovi is an off-ball magician. Inside the mind of the Tennessee basketball guard.

ROSTER: Tennessee basketball unlikely to make any more additions to 2023-24 roster. Here's why.

Jahmai Mashack − Shake Shack

This one isn't quite local. But Mashack won't be a local name after his junior season as his defensive prowess will gain him a national reputation. Mashack, whose nickname is "Shack," should naturally be paired with Shake Shack, the burger chain that specializes in burgers, crinkle fries and frozen custard milkshakes. It makes for a meal so good that you are left reclining in the seat of your car in a state of overstuffed wonder. The nearest location is in Nashville. Start with an NIL deal. End with a location on Kingston Pike.

Zakai Zeigler − Physio Lab

Zeigler's stout NIL list includes Tyson Foods, Tire Discounters, Powerade and Weigel's. Zeigler, who is recovering from his ACL injury and surgery with UT's training staff, could grab a partnership with a local physical therapist to add to his rolodex. Physio Lab fits the billing, especially because it has one of its three locations across the river from UT's campus in South Knoxville. The staff trumpets a one-on-one treatment approach to guide recovery and return to peak performance.

Tobe Awaka − Brothers Window Cleaning

Awaka launched into a role with Tennessee as a freshman because of his rebounding prowess. A partnership with Brothers Window Cleaning fits well for Awaka, a 6-foot-8 glass-cleaning terror linking up with a window cleaning business. Brothers Window Cleaning isn't limited to only window cleaning, boasting a wide range of home maintenance services. Likewise, Awaka is set to show a wider skill set as a sophomore.

Jonas Aidoo − Russell's Pest Control

Aidoo presents an array of potential fits as both a shot blocker and a noted comedian who is famous on TikTok. The defensive abilities make for a fun connection with pest control companies such as Russell's Pest Control, which services throughout East Tennessee. Aidoo uses his 6-11 frame to keep opponents away from the rim. Russell's specializes in keeping bugs and pests away from houses. It's perfect.

D.J. Jefferson − Bounce Knoxville Party Rentals

Jefferson earned a name for himself while redshirting because of his pregame dunk performances that became must-see moments. His bounce should lead Bounce Knoxville Party Rentals to pounce on an NIL opportunity. The party rental company rents anything from inflatable bounce houses and slides to tents to yard games to concessions machines.

B.J. Edwards − Knoxville Chamber

Edwards and the Knoxville Chamber have a couple of shared attributes: Knoxville and growth. Edwards is one of the three Knox County products to sign with Tennessee under Rick Barnes. He spent his freshman year developing and cracking the playing rotation late in the season. The Knoxville Chamber is all about business growth in the city, making the emphasis on local and the future fitting.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Imagining Tennessee basketball dream NIL deals for returning Vols