Earlier this week, Rick Barnes stated that Tennessee basketball is not in a rush to fill the three scholarships that are still open on the team. Chaz Lanier, who isn’t in a rush to choose where he will play basketball next season, has expressed the same opinion.
Lanier is the top-ranked combo guard and eighth overall talent in this year’s portal class, per 247Sports. Lanier is ranked No. 7 overall and No. 2 among shooting guards by On3 Sports.
This past year, as a junior, he had a breakout season that put his name on numerous big boards for NBA teams as well as college basketball programmes across the nation. His averages were 19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, with a 51% field goal percentage and a 44% three-point percentage.
In addition, he’s among the country’s most proficient shooters. Lanier is credited with having one of the top true shooting percentages in the nation (67%), according to ESPN NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony.
Since Lanier first logged onto the transfer portal, the Vols have been in the clubhouse leadership position. By late April, Tennessee was almost certain to land Lanier. It appeared as though Barnes and the Vols would win the recruiting race handily and add another potent, effective player to their roster for the 2024–25 campaign.
By the first part of May, that opinion has evolved.
Tennessee basketball in battle with SEC rival for top guard in transfer portal
Tennessee basketball is no longer the clear favourite to win Lanier’s pledge, but they are still in the running and may even face competition from an SEC opponent.
The Vols and Kentucky are vying for Lanier’s pledge. The Wildcats are now a viable choice. In fact, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander, the Cats are ahead.
Lanier registered for the NBA Draft as well, so it’s likely that after working out for the NBA, he won’t play college basketball again. Jamie Shaw of On3 Sports projected earlier this month that Lanier would commit to Tennessee basketball, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions.
He still has a Tennessee basketball few weeks to choose between playing in college or the NBA. While he is probably concentrating on the NBA because combine exercises are quickly approaching, he may soon shift his entire emphasis to Kentucky and Tennessee basketball.
Rising Sophomores Improving From Year Of Learning With Tennessee Basketball
“We are thrilled that Igor has chosen to join the Volunteers,” said Rick Barnes. As a gifted athlete, he has had top-notch coaching throughout his career, having learned from some of the industry’s greatest coaches, including his father, Igor Sr., while attending college and playing in Europe. We believe Igor’s strong, distinct, and well-honed skill set will translate well to the SEC. He is a versatile competitor. He has a lot of potential and is a fantastic defensive rebounder Tennessee basketball and 3-point shooter. With the Polish National Team, Igor has gained priceless international experience, and as a college student, he has gotten better every year. We think he’ll blend right in at Tennessee, on and off the court News Basketball
The 6-foot-11, 235-pound Okpara averaged 6.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in Ohio State’s previous season. Over the previous two years, he averaged 5.3 points and 5.0 rebounds.
Rick Barnes: “Having Felix join us here on Rocky Top makes us very happy. He is a fantastic teammate whose only objective is to win, and he comes from a wonderful family. Felix is a superb rebounder, a top-tier defender, and an excellent Tennessee basketball shot blocker. In addition to playing on the perimeter, he can score in the low post. Felix is a dynamic player that can move quickly, has great length, and can create space offensively. He is a continuous threat to go to the basket for a lob. We’ll do every effort to support him in enhancing every facet of his development. Read more about Tennessee basketball in battle with SEC rival for top guard
