Overview
After attending The Ensworth School in Nashville, Tennessee, Chaz Lanier committed to the University of North Florida. His 2020-21 season counted as a redshirt, and he didn’t begin making waves until his sophomore season in 2022-23, when he was named Atlantic Sun Player of the Week. Still, Lanier didn’t become a full-time starter until his fourth year at North Florida. Then, he averaged 19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 33.3 minutes, notably being named Atlantic Sun First Team All-Conference. For his 2024-25 campaign, he transferred to Tennessee, where he started and averaged 18.0 points on 43/40/76 shooting, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists. Lanier was given the Jerry West (Best SG) Award, was All-SEC First Team and All-American Honorable Mention.
Analysis
Defenders have to get in Lanier’s jersey to prevent him from shooting 3s. More than half his shots came from deep across his collegiate career, notably going 256-for-621 (41.2%) during his final three seasons. Lanier is not afraid to fire away on the move, flying off screens and launching up shots before his defender can turn the corner. The mid-range is in his arsenal as well, with some upside as a mid-post player against smaller opponents. He picks and chooses his spots when attacking the basket and can occasionally rise over a defender for a dunk. Defensively, Lanier is solid. He can guard a bit up and down relative to his size, but isn’t known as a switch defender.
Projection
Lanier fits the mold of smaller wing shooters in the modern NBA, such as Gary Trent Jr., Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Isaiah Joe. Plenty of teams will have interest in the draft, even if Lanier’s defense is behind his offense in terms of development. Most likely, Lanier will begin his professional career off the bench, but he has upside for his role to grow if either his offense or defense develops more.
— Profile by RotoWire.com