Chaz Lanier, Tennessee’s standout shooting guard, was honored with the prestigious Jerry West Award on Saturday, an accolade given annually to the best shooting guard in college basketball by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Lanier, who transferred to Tennessee from North Florida, had a breakout season for the Vols, averaging 18.0 points per game and setting a new school record for most 3-pointers in a single season.
The Nashville native’s exceptional shooting helped propel Tennessee to new heights. Lanier finished the season with a remarkable 43.1% shooting from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc. His 123 3-pointers in 38 games broke the previous school record of 118 set by Chris Lofton in the 2007-08 season. Lanier’s shooting ability was instrumental in Tennessee’s success, as he made five or more 3-pointers in nine games, and four or more in 14 games.
Lanier’s impressive stats earned him several accolades, including third-team All-American honors from the National Association of Basketball Coaches and The Sporting News, as well as First Team All-SEC and SEC Newcomer of the Year honors. His clutch performance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against UCLA, where he broke Lofton’s 3-point record, was a highlight of his career. After the game, Lanier credited his teammates for their support, emphasizing that their screens and perfect passes made his record-breaking shots possible.
Lanier’s impact was not only felt on the court but also off it. His calm, grounded demeanor has earned him the respect of Tennessee’s head coach, Rick Barnes, who praised his selflessness and team-first mentality. Barnes noted that Lanier, despite his individual success, always prioritized the team and showed humility in his approach.
Before joining Tennessee, Lanier had a breakout season at North Florida, averaging 19.7 points per game and making 108 threes. His success there led him to the NCAA Transfer Portal, where he found a perfect fit at Tennessee, aligning with the program’s “It’s Not About Me” motto.
Lanier’s exceptional season and leadership helped elevate Tennessee basketball, and winning the Jerry West Award cements his legacy as one of the nation’s top shooting guards.