Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier: Could the Transfer Star Rise All the Way to the NBA First Round?

When Chaz Lanier entered the transfer portal, few could have predicted the storm he was about to stir in college basketball circles. The former North Florida standout was a solid player in the ASUN Conference, but he wasn’t exactly a household name. That has changed. Now wearing Tennessee orange, Lanier’s name has found its way into NBA Draft conversations — and not just as a late-second round hopeful. Some analysts are wondering aloud: Could Chaz Lanier become a first-round NBA Draft pick?

Lanier’s path hasn’t been one paved in gold. In fact, it’s more like a long gravel road filled with twists, potholes, and quiet grind. At North Florida, he didn’t start as a star. He took time to develop — growing into his frame, sharpening his shooting mechanics, and learning to create off the dribble. During the 2023–24 season, he exploded for 19.7 points per game while shooting a scorching 44% from beyond the arc. NBA scouts started to take notice. But Lanier wanted more — not just exposure, but the chance to prove himself on a bigger stage.

That opportunity came when he transferred to Tennessee, one of the SEC’s basketball powerhouses and a place known for turning underappreciated talent into pro-level players. For Lanier, this was his moment.

Lanier’s transition to the Vols has been smooth, at least on the court. From the get-go, he brought a jolt of scoring ability that Tennessee hadn’t seen since the days of Admiral Schofield or Grant Williams. His athleticism popped, his confidence was undeniable, and his deep shooting range made him a threat every time he crossed half court.

But perhaps what most impressed Tennessee coaches was his work ethic. “He’s one of the first guys in the gym and the last to leave,” a team staffer noted. “You’d never guess he came from a mid-major — he trains like a pro.”

Lanier’s willingness to defend, share the ball, and play within Rick Barnes’ system elevated his draft stock even further. He wasn’t just scoring — he was competing at a high level against elite SEC defenders. And he was winning those battles.

It’s one thing to dominate in a small conference. It’s another to show out in the Southeastern Conference, where scouts are always watching. Lanier’s stock has skyrocketed since the start of the 2024–25 season. He’s been listed on multiple NBA mock drafts — ranging from mid-second round to as high as the late first round.

What makes Lanier so appealing to NBA teams is his profile: a 6’4″ guard who can handle the ball, shoot from deep, play defense, and bring maturity to a locker room. He’s not a one-and-done kid — he’s a seasoned college athlete who understands structure and effort.

Some NBA executives reportedly see him as a possible plug-and-play option — a mature rookie who could give productive bench minutes on Day 1. Others view him as a developmental guard with the upside to become a reliable sixth man or fringe starter.

Of course, getting into the first round won’t be easy. Lanier doesn’t have the elite burst or vertical explosion that some of his peers possess. He’s also older than most of the high school-to-pro pipeline stars. In today’s NBA, youth is often valued over experience.

He’ll have to shine at the NBA Combine and in team workouts. Scouts will want to see how he handles top-tier defenders, how he moves laterally, and whether his shooting touch holds up under NBA-length three-point pressure.

Still, every draft has its surprises. In recent years, older guards like Jalen Brunson and Desmond Bane have shattered the idea that only 19-year-olds matter. Lanier could be the next example of a polished, battle-tested college star proving he belongs.

For now, Lanier is focused on helping Tennessee make a deep tournament run. The Volunteers are loaded with talent, and his scoring presence makes them a serious threat in March Madness. If he can lead his team to an SEC title or Elite Eight appearance, his stock could soar even higher.

More importantly, scouts will be watching how he performs under pressure. Clutch shooting, high-IQ play, and leadership in big moments — those are the traits NBA general managers crave.

Chaz Lanier might not have taken the conventional route to stardom, but that’s what makes his story so compelling. From under-the-radar shooter at North Florida to high-impact SEC scorer at Tennessee, he’s proving that talent and perseverance still count.