Lanier scored close to 20 points per game for North Florida last season.
From the moment Chaz Lanier entered the transfer portal—and possibly even earlier—it was clear he might head to Tennessee. A Nashville native, Lanier had just finished his best college season, transitioning from a role player to a star at North Florida. His performance caught the NBA’s attention, and he went through the NBA Draft process while in the portal, gaining feedback from organizations. Ultimately, he decided to return to college and will now face tougher competition in the SEC.
Dalton Knecht went through a similar process last year and ended up as a first-round draft pick. Both Tennessee and Lanier aim to replicate that success this season.
Lanier described his journey as a hectic but blessed experience, navigating recruiting, the draft process, and choosing Tennessee. A significant factor in his decision was returning to his home state and playing under Hall of Fame coach Rick Barnes in a family-oriented environment.
In high school, Lanier was a finalist for Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball award. In college, after averaging just four points per game as a sophomore and junior, he exploded to 19.7 points per game as a senior, shooting 44 percent from three and 51 percent overall.
Now, Lanier will bring his impressive scoring efficiency from the Atlantic Sun to the SEC. As practices intensify, he’s already noticing the increased physicality and tempo of the game but feels his skills will transition well. Surrounded by great players in practice, he’s confident he’s in the right place.
Lanier will also benefit from going up against top defenders like Jahmai Mashack, similar to Knecht’s experience last season. He joins small forwards Igor Milicic, Darlinstone Dubar, and center Felix Okpara in Tennessee’s transfer class, forming a roster that looks poised to compete for an SEC title under Rick Barnes.
Be the first to comment