ESPN projects Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier to land with a “rising young team with upside” in the 2025 NBA Draft — most mocks place him in the early second round . Here’s why his path to the NBA is generating buzz
🎯 Who Is Chaz Lanier?
Senior guard, former North Florida transfer, starred for Tennessee averaging 18.0 PPG, shooting 43.1% FG and 39.5% 3PT, breaking the school’s single-season 3-pointers record .
Winner of the prestigious Jerry West Award as the nation’s top shooting guard; recognized as a third-team All-American and SEC Newcomer of the Year .
At the NBA Combine, he led all players in spot-up and free-throw shooting, and showcased an outstanding standing leap .
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🔥 Draft Outlook
ESPN Mock Draft projects him to the San Antonio Spurs with the 38th overall pick, highlighting a young team with a promising future alongside Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox .
With the 39th pick, ESPN and other analysts view Lanier as a prime fit for the Spurs — a team focused on building around their rising stars .
His elite shooting and maturity make him valuable as a sharpshooter and a steady off-ball scoring piece, especially in guard-depleted drafts .
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🌟 Why Spurs (and Similar Teams) Are a Good Match
Rising roster: San Antonio is transitioning around a young core featuring Wembanyama, Fox, and promising role players — ideal for a shooter to thrive .
Fit and opportunity: His elite shooting, maturity at age 23, and veteran-like approach help him stand out among comparable prospects .
Backcourt depth: Teams like Dallas, Milwaukee, and Brooklyn are also mentioned as strong fits, valuing his shooting to complement star guards .
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📌 Final Take
Chaz Lanier’s rise from transfer portal to NBA prospect is a testament to his work ethic and scoring flair. With most projections placing him in the early second round — specifically with San Antonio’s 38th pick — it’s clear that front offices view him as a versatile, mature floor spacer primed to contribute quickly. His inclusion in ESPN’s “rising young teams” tier underscores the potential of his next chapter — and for Vol Nation, it’s a proud moment seeing a standout Volunteer poised for professional success.
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