The Tennessee basketball program is already hitting summer hard, gearing up for the regular season after another heartbreaking Elite Eight loss. There is no doubt Tennessee wants to return to the Elite Eight and finally break the winless curse. However, former Vol Zakai Zeigler is fighting for one more year on Rocky Top.

“(Zeigler) seeks to compete in the fifth year of his five-year eligibility window while pursuing a graduate degree," the lawsuit states. "But he finds himself arbitrarily barred from doing so by an NCAA rule that limits athletes to participating in only four seasons of intercollegiate competition within the five-year window (the 'Four-Seasons Rule'). As a result, he cannot compete or earn NIL compensation during his fifth year—the most lucrative year of the eligibility window for the vast majority of athletes."

That was the original argument, but Zeigler was denied the fifth-year option.

“Plaintiff has failed to present sufficient evidence that the Four-Seasons Rule produces substantial anticompetitive effects in the market for student athlete services and NIL compensation in Division I basketball,” the judgment stated.

Zeigler and his legal team appealed the decision and are currently seeking stronger evidence. The four-year Tennessee point guard has formed a unique bond with head coach Rick Barnes. Zeigler wants just one more year at Tennessee—a place he never imagined calling home until Barnes brought him to campus.

If Zeigler somehow wins, Jordan Gainey should also pursue a fifth year. This would bolster the Vols’ roster even further.

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“Tennessee senior guard Jordan Gainey isn't a part of the lawsuit. However, a favorable outcome for Zeigler would benefit him, too, if he wanted to extend his college career into a fifth season and further capitalize on his name, image and likeness,” Knox News’ John Adams wrote.

Gainey has been a huge part of Tennessee’s success over the last two seasons. He is tremendous on defense and can get to his spot whenever needed. If Zeigler wins the case and returns to Tennessee, expect Gainey to follow suit.