KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee men's basketball picked up another commitment for the 2024-2025 roster on Friday afternoon.
North Florida transfer guard Chaz Lanier committed to the Vols. "Home is where the heart is," the Nashville native posted on social media.
Head coach Rick Barnes is excited to have a Tennessee native a part of the squad.
"We are happy to welcome Chaz and his family to Rocky Top. As soon as Chaz entered the transfer portal, we identified him as someone we would love to bring home to the Volunteer State," Barnes said.
Barnes also said Tennessee's fan base will love the qualities he brings as a person and athlete.
"Our fan base will love his character, humility and work ethic, as well as his strong basketball IQ. 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," Barnes said.
Lanier, who stands at 6 feet, four inches tall, averaged 19.7 points per game last season and played in 32 games. He shot 51% from the field and a stellar 44% from three-point range. He averaged 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, too.
Lanier is the fourth transfer the Vols picked up this offseason. He joins Darlinstone Dubar from Hofstra University Igor Milicic from Charlotte and Felix Okpara from Ohio State.
This comes after the departure of Dalton Knecht, Josiah-Jordan James and Santiago Vescovi, as well as key players Jonas Aidoo and Tobe Awaka, who entered the transfer portal.
Barnes said Lanier's determination to win championships will fit in well with the program's goals.
"Chaz has a desire to help us win another SEC championship, as well as contend for a national title. It is clear his goals and mindset blend well with the rest of the guys in our program and this is an excellent fit," said Barnes.