NBA Comparison: Chris Duarte / Kent Bazemore

Strengths: One of the most efficient and productive scorers in college basketball this past season … At 6’4” and 200 pounds, Lanier is a physical, compact guard with a strong frame built for contact … A late bloomer who emerged as one of the most impactful transfers in the country after four seasons at North Alabama, making a huge leap at Tennessee … Elite shooting ability from beyond the arc, connecting on 44.3% from three and 87.2% from the free-throw line … Shot nearly 40% or better in each of his last two seasons, proving consistent stroke and range … Quick, confident release on his jumper, dangerous in both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble scenarios … A tough-minded scorer who can heat up quickly and carry a team in stretches … Has NBA-ready strength and experience—already 23 years old and physically mature … Can handle contact on drives, use angles well, and finish in traffic with body control … Smart cutter and off-ball mover who understands spacing and how to free himself for clean looks … Brings strong intangibles: effort, leadership, and maturity … Uses physicality on defense and doesn’t shy away from guarding bigger wings … Showed flashes of clutch play and composure in late-game situations during SEC play….

Weaknesses:  An older senior. Born 12/19/2001, he will turn 24 in December, very early in his NBA career … Unorthodox shooting form with a low release point—while effective at the college level, it may be more easily contested by NBA length … Struggled in the tournament to create good looks, especially against elite defenses like Houston’s, which slowed him down and limited his clean looks … Doesn’t possess elite quickness or burst; can be neutralized by longer, faster defenders off the dribble … Primarily a scorer—limited playmaking ability (1.5 APG), and doesn’t project as a lead guard at the next level … Needs to improve his passing vision and decision-making in pick-and-roll situations … Not a vertical athlete; finishes more with craft than lift around the basket … Slightly undersized for an NBA shooting guard and may have trouble defending bigger wings consistently … Age is a factor—will turn 24 during his rookie season, which may cap perceived upside … Needs to prove his game translates against NBA-level length and speed, especially when he can’t rely on size mismatches.

Outlook: Chaz Lanier projects as a polished, NBA-ready shooter with the strength, maturity, and basketball IQ to step into a rotation role quickly. His combination of efficient scoring, toughness, and veteran presence will appeal to playoff-caliber teams looking for bench shooting and spacing. While he lacks the upside of younger lottery prospects, his floor is relatively high thanks to his proven shot-making and physical tools. Likely to be targeted in the late first to early second round, Lanier could carve out a career as a reliable role player and situational scorer in the NBA.

Notes: Measured 6′ 3.75” barefoot, 8′ 6.00” standing reach, 196 lbs, 6′ 9.00” wingspan, 30.5 standing vert, 36 max vert at the 2024 NBA G-League Combine …Originally from Nashville, Tennessee … Finished Sixth in the SEC in scoring … Played for Team Thad on the Nike EYBL circuit … Averaged 14.8 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 1.5 APG at Tennessee … Played four seasons at North Alabama before transferring to Tennessee … Will be 24 in December … One of the most productive and efficient guards in the NCAA, with a strong reputation for leadership and work ethic … Turned heads with breakout year in the SEC, despite late-season struggles.

Aran Smith 4/9/25