THIS IS COMPLETE: Chaz Lanier adds to impressive list of former Vols drafted under Rick Bar……read more

With the 2025 NBA Draft now in the books, Tennessee basketball added another feather to its cap as standout guard Chaz Lanier officially joined the professional ranks. Selected 37th overall by the Detroit Pistons, Lanier became the latest in a growing line of former Volunteers drafted under head coach Rick Barnes, continuing a trend that has transformed Tennessee into a true NBA pipeline.

A One-Year Impact That Paid Off

Lanier, a Nashville native, arrived at Tennessee with something to prove. After four seasons at North Florida, where he quietly became one of the most efficient scorers in mid-major basketball, Lanier transferred to Tennessee for his final year of eligibility. That decision, coupled with Barnes’ proven track record of preparing players for the next level, turned out to be a career-defining move.

In his lone season with the Vols, Lanier averaged nearly 18 points per game, knocked down over 40% of his three-point attempts, and was instrumental in Tennessee’s deep NCAA Tournament run. His high-IQ play, elite shooting, and ability to space the floor caught the attention of scouts and front offices across the league.

Rick Barnes: Building a Legacy Beyond Knoxville

Lanier’s selection marks the sixth NBA Draft pick in the last five years for Rick Barnes, who continues to prove that his player development system is second to none in college basketball. Since 2020, Barnes has helped guide the likes of Keon Johnson, Jaden Springer, Kennedy Chandler, Julian Phillips, and most recently, Dalton Knecht to the NBA. With each passing year, the list grows more impressive—and more convincing to recruits who have NBA dreams.

Barnes has long been respected for his ability to coach high-level talent (having previously developed stars like Kevin Durant and T.J. Ford at Texas), but his time at Tennessee has further solidified his reputation as an elite talent developer who emphasizes fundamentals, work ethic, and pro readiness.

The Perfect Fit in Detroit

Lanier heads to a Detroit Pistons team in the midst of a youth-driven rebuild, where his shooting and maturity could earn him immediate minutes. Known for his calm demeanor and professional approach to the game, Lanier brings a skillset tailored to the modern NBA: he’s a knockdown shooter, a willing defender, and a player who understands his role.

While questions remain about how quickly he can adjust to the NBA’s speed and physicality, few doubt that Lanier has the tools—and the mindset—to succeed.

A Program on the Rise

Tennessee basketball is no longer just a force in the SEC—it’s a national brand, thanks in large part to Barnes’ ability to consistently develop talent that translates to the NBA. Chaz Lanier’s journey from under-the-radar transfer to NBA Draft pick is just the latest example of what’s become a reliable formula: talented, hardworking players + Barnes’ coaching = professional opportunities.

As the Vols prepare for another season filled with high expectations, one thing is certain: when it comes to turning college players into pros, Rick Barnes isn’t just producing NBA players—he’s building a legacy.

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