Tennessee Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes recently offered an insightful breakdown of freshman guard Chaz Lanier’s play during Tennessee’s closed-door scrimmage against Davidson. The Volunteers faced Davidson as part of their preseason preparations, and while much of the scrimmage’s specific statistics and outcomes were kept private, Barnes was candid about his impressions of Lanier’s performance. The 6-foot-5 guard, who joined Tennessee as part of the 2023 recruiting class, showcased his skillset in a way that has both fans and coaches excited about his potential.
Barnes, known for his emphasis on discipline and basketball IQ, highlighted Lanier’s adaptability, basketball instincts, and willingness to learn. According to Barnes, Lanier displayed maturity on the court beyond what he typically expects from a freshman, particularly one who hasn’t had much college-level game experience yet. Despite only being a few months into his first season, Lanier has already earned praise for his defensive work ethic and offensive versatility, two areas Barnes believes will be crucial as Tennessee aims to make a deep run in the SEC and NCAA tournaments.
One of the first things Barnes pointed out was Lanier’s commitment to defense. During the scrimmage, he was tasked with guarding multiple positions, often switching between guards and small forwards. Lanier’s height and wingspan make him a versatile defensive option, which Barnes leveraged in Tennessee’s matchup against a fundamentally sound Davidson team. Barnes noted that Lanier’s defensive footwork, combined with his natural anticipation, allowed him to stay in front of his man and disrupt passing lanes effectively. His ability to force opponents into difficult shots or turnovers was a standout element in the scrimmage.
“Chaz is a guy who doesn’t back down defensively,” Barnes said. “He’s relentless, and he picks things up quickly. For a young player, he understands defensive spacing and the importance of staying disciplined, which is something we really value in our system.”
The Volunteers have traditionally built their identity around tough, aggressive defense, and it’s clear Barnes sees Lanier as someone who fits that mold. For a team that prioritizes stopping opponents as much as scoring, Lanier’s defensive potential is invaluable.
On the offensive end, Lanier impressed the coaching staff with his shot selection and passing abilities. Barnes has often emphasized the importance of sharing the ball and creating high-percentage shots, and Lanier’s playmaking skills were on display against Davidson. Known for his quick release and three-point shooting in high school, Lanier took on a more diverse role in the scrimmage, displaying his ability to drive to the basket, shoot from mid-range, and make the right pass when defenders closed in.
Barnes highlighted a few specific moments where Lanier’s decision-making stood out. In one instance, he used a screen to create space, then opted for a pull-up jumper instead of forcing his way to the rim against a tightly packed defense. This decision-making, Barnes noted, is crucial for a young player who will likely be relied upon for significant minutes during the season.
“He’s got a good feel for when to attack and when to pull back,” Barnes explained. “There’s a poise to his game that you don’t always see in freshmen. He’s patient, he reads the defense, and he understands where his teammates are on the floor. That’s something that will help him as he transitions to more competitive games.”
While Lanier received praise, Barnes was also honest about the areas where he needs to improve. College basketball presents new challenges, especially in terms of physicality and speed, and Barnes believes Lanier will need to adapt as he faces tougher opponents in the SEC. Conditioning is one area where Barnes feels Lanier can make strides. As the pace of the college game is faster and more demanding, building endurance will be critical for Lanier’s ability to keep up, particularly if he’s tasked with guarding multiple positions or playing extended minutes.
Additionally, Barnes mentioned the importance of building strength. While Lanier has shown great resilience, Barnes wants him to become more physically dominant, which will help him navigate through screens, battle for rebounds, and maintain his defensive positioning against stronger opponents. He expressed confidence in Lanier’s work ethic, noting that he is already committed to the team’s strength and conditioning program.
As Barnes wrapped up his analysis of Lanier’s performance, he shared his optimism for the young guard’s role in the upcoming season. Tennessee has high aspirations, aiming to make a deep run in the SEC and secure a strong position in the NCAA tournament. For the Volunteers to achieve those goals, they’ll need reliable contributions from both their starters and bench players, and Lanier’s development could be an important factor in their success.
“Chaz has a high ceiling,” Barnes said. “He’s coachable, he’s hungry to learn, and he’s got the skillset to make an impact. We’re excited to see how he evolves throughout the season and how he can help this team.”
In summary, Chaz Lanier’s performance in the scrimmage against Davidson gave a glimpse of his potential as a valuable player for the Volunteers. His defensive tenacity, offensive versatility, and basketball IQ have set him up to contribute right away, though he’ll need to continue to grow and adapt to the college level’s demands. Coach Rick Barnes’ feedback suggests that Tennessee fans should keep an eye on Lanier as he looks to play a crucial role in the Volunteers’ journey this season.