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Chaz Lanier leaves no doubt about how he feels about his decision to play for the Tennessee Vols

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Mar 9, 2025 12:54 PM ET

Tennessee Vols guard Chaz Lanier was a key player for Rick Barnes' program in 2024-25.

Lanier, who is from Nashville, spent the first four seasons of his collegiate career at North Florida before transferring to Tennessee last season.

The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 17.9 points per game for the Volunteers during the regular season.

On Saturday, after Lanier's final Tennessee home game, he explained to reporters how much it meant for him to be able to play for the Vols this season.

"The program, the coaches, the players, the fan base, everybody in the community, they've welcomed me with open arms," said Lanier. "It's just a lot of love from me to the University of Tennessee. I mean, it means the world to me to come back and be able to play for my home state. It's very special. It still feels surreal that I'm putting on the Tennessee uniform, being able to represent for the University of Tennessee. So it's just a blessing all in all. But this is my home, for sure."

Chaz Lanier is soaking it all in. #Vols pic.twitter.com/SH1fmzCFBJ
— Reece Van Haaften (@Reece_VH) March 8, 2025

Lanier's comments show the incredible culture that's been created at Tennessee under Barnes.

And that's a big reason why UT is such an attractive destination for elite transfer players.

Lanier's time with the Vols isn't over just yet. Tennessee will play in the SEC Tournament in Nashville this week before the NCAA Tournament gets underway the following week. I'm sure Lanier has his sights set on helping the Vols get to a Final Four for the first time in program history.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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