North Florida Star Transfers To Tennessee

Chaz Lanier, one of the hottest commodities in the transfer portal, made the move to transfer to SEC powerhouse Tennessee. Lanier, one of the most efficient players on offense and an elite scorer, took part in the NBA’s G League Elite Camp but decided to claim his fifth year of eligibility.

“UT was the best because of the fit and the play style,” Lanier told ESPN. “I’ll be able to showcase my ability to put the ball in the basket at the highest level of college basketball, and also develop my defense under a hall of fame coach in Rick Barnes, who has a track record of sending players to the NBA. Our goals are aligned. I know that winning is everything. The culture that he created is special. I could feel it on my official visit.”

Lanier broke out as a junior in North Florida. He started 31 games for North Florida last season, the most in his four-year career. With the extended playing time, the Nashville native shot 51/44/88 shooting splits en route to averaging 19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

“As soon as Chaz entered the transfer portal, we identified him as someone we would love to bring home to the Volunteer State. Our fan base will love his character, humility and work ethic, as well as his strong basketball IQ,” Vols head coach Rick Barnes said in a statement. “He has already proven to be one of the most efficient scorers in college basketball, and we feel his ability to put the ball in the basket from all over the floor will translate well to the SEC.”

He is expected to immediately start as a shooting guard under Barnes. Chaz Lanier is Tennessee’s fourth transfer, following Darlinstone Dubar (Hofstra), Igor Miličić Jr (Charlotte), and Felix Okpara (Ohio State).

“I’m going back home,” Lanier said, per ESPN. “I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to come back to my home state and put on for my city and family. My whole family will be at every game next year, lord willing.”

Vols Will Profit Heavily From Transfer

After losing Dalton Knecht to the NBA Draft, the Vols had a hole at the shooting guard slot. Lanier is Tennessee’s answer. A sharpshooting guard with natural scoring instincts, he’s the most efficient player in the country (1.20 points per possession). He can drive to the paint and get tough baskets as well. Analysts predict he will thrive in Tennessee’s fluid offense and off-ball sets, although he will need to work on his point guard role and ability to score with the ball in his hands.

Tennessee beats out Kentucky and BYU for the services of Chaz Lanier. Kentucky’s roster rebuild needs another off-ball scorer after the exodus of players following John Calipari’s departure. Lanier would have been the perfect offensive weapon for new coach Mark Pope. He shoots often and well but can score at different levels and tempos. Pope will target BYU wing Jaxson Robinson or Florida State’s Jamir Watkins.