Tennessee Basketball: Chaz Lanier a welcomed late addition to 2024-25 roster

In the latest move in the SEC arms race, Tennessee Basketball gets another piece to the puzzle in scoring star Chaz Lanier.

Last week, I did an article concerning the early contenders for the 2024-25 season. Tennessee Basketball was one of them, despite losing All-American star, Dalton Knecht. They had a good offseason to this point, despite losing key frontcourt pieces.

Among the previous pickups from the transfer portal including 6'6 wing Darlingstone Dubar, along with forwards, Igor Milicic and Felix Okpara. Something else that I mentioned for the Vols was the need for another scoring guard. That's because on paper, point guard Zakai Zeigler is the most proven scorer in the backcourt and that could spell trouble.

That changed this weekend, as the Vols were able to land Chaz Lanier. The 6'4 guard is originally from Nashville, Tennessee and that could've played a role in his recruitment. They were one of three contenders for Lanier's services, along with Kentucky and BYU.

After three years of limited production, Lanier broke out in a big way as a senior at North Florida, leading the team with 19.7 ppg on 51% shooting from the field and 44% from three-point range. He had four games of at least 30 points this past season, including a 35-point effort in a win over North Alabama.

Lanier joins a backcourt at Tennessee that includes Zeigler, Jordan Gainey, and Jahmai Mashack. Depending on how good of an individual defender Lanier is, Coach Rick Barnes can use a bunch of different lineups, playing Lanier at the 2 or 3, as well as Dubar playing at the 4-spot in smaller, but potent lineups.

With Texas and Oklahoma joining the SEC, the need for offensive firepower is as important as ever. Considering that we're at the end of May in the offseason and few legit power conference options left in the portal, landing Lanier is a big move for Tennessee Basketball.