Chaz Lanier’s comments during his inaugural Tennessee press conference
New Tennessee Basketball transfer guard Chaz Lanier participated in his first press conference in Knoxville on Tuesday afternoon, following his signing with the Vols in May after transferring from North Florida. Here’s what Lanier said about his decision to join Tennessee:
Reflecting on the recruiting frenzy while navigating the NBA Draft process and entering the NCAA Transfer Portal from North Florida, he stated:
“Yeah, definitely a different time in my life. I’ve never been through something like it, but just blessed to be in the position that I’m in. It was definitely a hectic time going through recruiting and then going through the draft process and then ending up choosing Tennessee, but just a blessing overall.”
Why He Chose Tennessee Over Kentucky and BYU
“A big factor was definitely the location, coming back home to play for my home state. It just means a little bit more to me. And then playing for a Hall of Fame coach in Rick Barnes, plus the family culture here. I knew I’d be joining a family and something bigger than myself.”
Transitioning from North Florida to Tennessee and Playing in the SEC
“It’s definitely a different game — more physicality — but I feel like my game will transition pretty well. We’ve been working every day in practice and going at it. I’m surrounded by great players who push me to my limits and make me better every day, so I feel like I’m in the right place.”
Most Eye-Opening Moment Since Arriving at Tennessee
“I’d say the most eye-opening thing is definitely the tempo of the game. It’s more sped up, and that’s just the way we play here at Tennessee, but I’m adjusting pretty well.”
Tennessee Players During the Recruiting Process and Since Joining the Program
“The guys have been great. They definitely welcomed me with open arms. Every day they push me in practice. We play one-on-one on the weekends, so they definitely want to get the best out of me and see what I’m made of.”
Tennessee Staff During the Recruiting Process and Their Message
“It has been everything we talked about during recruiting. They’ve been pushing me and bringing the best out of me, working me super hard in practice, but also teaching me a lot. I’ve learned a lot in the few weeks I’ve been here already, so it’s been great.”
Areas of His Game He’s Been Working on Since Getting to Tennessee
“One thing for me is working on my body and getting stronger, adjusting to the physicality, and speeding up my pace. Coming from a mid-major to a high major, the pace is different, and I have to do things a little bit faster. So I’d say that speed.”
If Tennessee Coaches Have Tweaked His Shot
“I’ve gotten faster, but no big tweaks.”
Feedback from NBA Personnel During the NBA Draft Process
“A lot of NBA teams said they want to see me make plays for my teammates. They know I can shoot and score the ball, but they want to see me make plays for others, shoot faster, and show my defense a bit more.”
First Impressions of Tennessee’s Guards and Competing Against Them in Practice
“They’re great. Like Shack (Jahmai Mashack), he’s super physical. ‘Z’ (Zakai Zeigler) is super fast on his feet, so I have to play a little bit lower and do things a little differently than I did at North Florida, but I’ve been playing my game and getting better every day.”
Tennessee Players He’s Leaned On During the Transition
“All the guys are great. I’m really close with the older guys like Shack, Zakai, and Igore (Milicic Jr.), but all the guys have been great.”
Meaning More to Play for His Home-State School and Conversations with Former Tennessee Players
“I’m really close with Ron Slay and Jordan Bone. Before committing, I talked to Jordan Bone a lot and leaned on him. He answered many of my questions and told me it would be super challenging, but that I was built for it. He said there’s nothing like playing for Tennessee.”
The Family Atmosphere at Tennessee and Its Influence on His Decision
“That definitely played a part in my decision to come here. The culture Coach Barnes has built and the standard the guys hold each other to is unmatched.”
Knowing Tennessee Was His Choice After Entering the NCAA Transfer Portal
“No, I had some other options in the area, but ultimately, it came down to Tennessee for me.”
Considering Tennessee’s Use of Dalton Knecht as a Transfer Last Season
“Seeing Dalton’s journey was eye-opening and attractive to me because we’ve taken a similar route. So that definitely influenced my decision.”
Being Part of a Four-Player Transfer Class and Getting to Know Igor Milicic Jr., Felix Okpara, and Darlinstone Dubar
“We’ve bonded well, all being new here. They’re great people both off and on the floor, so it’s been a great experience.”
Impressions of Playing with Other Tennessee Transfers
“Just the skill level and talent. There’s nothing like it. The physicality and overall talent of the guys are impressive.”
Playing with Tennessee Point Guard Zakai Zeigler
“He makes the game so much easier. His defensive intensity makes me step up my defense even more. He’s a great point guard.”
Improvement from Facing Jahmai Mashack in Practice, as Mentioned by Dalton Knecht
“Definitely. Jahmai is one of the premier defenders in the country. Playing against him every day in practice forces me to get better. He’s great.”
