SEC Basketball: Ranking the top 20 incoming transfers for the 2024-25 season

12. Chaz Lanier (Tennessee)

2023-24 Season at North Florida: 19.7 PPG | 4.8 RPG | 1.8 APG | 51.0 FG% | 44.0 3PT%

Arguably the most improved player in the country this past season, Chaz Lanier took the A-SUN by storm improving his scoring average by an incredible 15 points per game, from 4.7 to 19.7. Lanier also improved his shooting percentages, he made 51 percent from the floor and 44 percent from three. His three-point percentage was one of the best in the county. 

Lanier scored in double figures in 31 of 32 games last year for North Florida, his only game below that threshold was a seven-point outing against LSU early in the season. He scored 30 or more points four times, with a season-high of 35 points in a loss to North Alabama. In those 30-point games, Lanier never shot lower than 52 percent from the field or below 50 percent from three.

Defensively Lanier has quick hands and can disrupt some passing lanes, he recorded a season-high of five steals in an early season matchup against Georgia Southern. Lanier was also a decent rebounder this past season, averaging nearly five per game. He had a season-high of ten rebounds against Northwestern State.

Lanier’s slight frame might cause some issues against stronger SEC defenders, but he usually keeps his balance and can find openings to quickly get his shot off. Lanier is one of the few players in college basketball that doesn’t sacrifice efficiency to put up big scoring numbers. If that trend continues at Tennessee, then Rick Barnes should have a special player on his roster.