Former North Florida Guard Chaz Lanier Commits to Tennessee: Showcasing Shooting Skills Under Coach Rick Barnes
ICARO Media Group
Lanier, who hails from Nashville, Tennessee, is excited about the opportunity to play for the Volunteers and believes it is the perfect fit for his abilities.
A first-team All-Atlantic Sun player, Lanier is known for his impressive scoring prowess. Last season, he averaged 19.7 points per game and showcased his exceptional shooting skills by hitting 106 three-pointers in 31 games, converting 44% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Lanier had the opportunity to visit three schools - Tennessee, Kentucky, and BYU - before finalizing his decision. After considering all his options, Lanier believes that Tennessee offers the best fit for his playing style and development. Under the guidance of head coach Rick Barnes, Lanier aims to not only showcase his scoring ability but also improve his defensive skills. He is eager to learn from a coach with a track record of sending players to the NBA and believes their goals align, emphasizing the importance of winning in the program's culture.
The talented guard had recently participated in the NBA G League's Elite Camp in Chicago, gathering valuable feedback. While Lanier initially had his name in the NBA draft, he has decided to withdraw it by the NCAA deadline of May 29, indicating his commitment to playing college basketball at Tennessee.
Lanier's decision to join the Volunteers comes after a successful season for the team, which clinched the SEC regular-season championship and made it to the Elite Eight. Lanier will be joining a roster headlined by SEC Player of the Year and All-American Dalton Knecht, who also transferred to Tennessee, making a similar move from Northern Colorado. Despite playing the same position as Knecht, Lanier understands that their playing styles may differ but sees the potential to follow a similar path to success.
With Lanier's commitment, Tennessee looks to further strengthen their already impressive squad and continue their pursuit of excellence in the coming season. Fans can anticipate an exciting combination of shooting skills and a winning mentality from the reunited home-grown talent.