Chaz Lanier Earns SEC Co-Player of the Week Honors for Third Time This Season
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team has once again made headlines, as Chaz Lanier, a fifth-year guard from Nashville, Tenn., has been named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Co-Player of the Week. The announcement came Monday afternoon from the SEC office, recognizing Lanier for his stellar performance on the court during the previous week. Lanier shared the honor with Mark Sears of Alabama, further cementing his status as one of the league’s most formidable players this season.
This marks Lanier’s third SEC Player of the Week award of the 2024-25 season. He was previously recognized with the distinction on November 25 and again on January 6, underscoring his consistency and ability to perform at an elite level throughout the season. Lanier’s impressive performances have become a key part of Tennessee’s success on the basketball court, and his recent achievements reflect both his personal growth and his vital role in the team’s accomplishments.
In fact, Lanier’s recognition also highlights Tennessee’s strong presence in the SEC this season. With Lanier’s recent win, Tennessee has now accumulated a total of four SEC Player of the Week honors for the 2024-25 season, further reinforcing the team’s competitive edge. Zakai Zeigler, another standout player on the squad, was previously named SEC Player of the Week on December 30, contributing to the Volunteers’ successful campaign in the conference.
Lanier’s performance in Tennessee’s lone game of the week was nothing short of extraordinary. On Saturday, he led the Volunteers to a thrilling 77-69 road victory over seventh-ranked Texas A&M, a win that further demonstrated Lanier’s ability to perform under pressure. In the contest, Lanier put up a season-high 30 points, which was also the game’s best point total. His performance not only secured a crucial victory for Tennessee, but it also solidified his place among the league’s top performers.
Lanier was nearly flawless in his shooting, making 10 of his 18 attempts from the field. His exceptional shooting from beyond the arc was particularly impressive. He knocked down 8 of 13 three-point attempts, setting a new career high for three-pointers made in a single game. This feat also marks the most three-pointers made by any Tennessee player during head coach Rick Barnes’ tenure, which began in 2015. Lanier’s eight three-pointers in the game are tied for the second-most made by any SEC player this season and tie the second-highest total ever by a Volunteer. He becomes only the fourth player in Tennessee’s history to make at least eight three-pointers in a single game, joining a select group of individuals who have reached that milestone.
But Lanier’s accomplishments did not end there. His outstanding 30-point performance against Texas A&M also placed him in rare company in the SEC. Lanier became just the second player in the last 20 seasons (from 2005 to 2025) to score over 30 points in an AP top-10 road victory. Furthermore, he is the only player in the league to achieve such a feat in conference play during this span. His achievement is a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion and perform when the stakes are highest.
The significance of Lanier’s performance extends beyond just the SEC, as he achieved a historic milestone in the broader landscape of NCAA Division I basketball. Lanier became the first player in Division I men’s basketball history to score 30 or more points, make eight three-pointers, and grab at least five rebounds in a road game against an AP top-10 opponent since Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield accomplished the feat during a triple-overtime game at Kansas on January 4, 2016. He is also the first player to do so in regulation since Connecticut’s A.J. Price achieved the same against Marquette on February 25, 2009.
These milestones and accolades only add to Lanier’s growing legacy as one of the premier players in the SEC this season. His remarkable ability to score, shoot from long range, and contribute across various aspects of the game makes him a dynamic and versatile player for the Volunteers. As of now, Lanier ranks third in the nation with an average of 3.48 made three-pointers per game, leading the SEC in this category. He also sits third in the league for three-point shooting percentage (41.4%) and fourth in points per game (18.0). These impressive statistical achievements reflect his dominance on the court and solidify his reputation as one of the most dangerous players in the conference.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Lanier has been a consistent force for the Volunteers, scoring in double figures in 25 of the team’s 27 games. Furthermore, he has scored 17 or more points in 18 of those contests, with 11 games in which he surpassed the 21-point mark. Five of those games have seen Lanier score more than 25 points, showcasing his ability to take over games and carry the team when needed most. Lanier’s scoring ability, combined with his sharp shooting, makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Lanier’s accomplishments also place him among an elite group of players in the history of Tennessee basketball. Since head coach Rick Barnes took over the program in 2015, 13 different players have earned a total of 24 SEC Player of the Week honors. Lanier’s three awards this season put him in rare company, as he becomes only the fourth player under Barnes to earn at least three SEC Player of the Week titles. He joins the ranks of notable Tennessee players such as Dalton Knecht (four awards), Grant Williams (four awards), and Admiral Schofield (three awards), each of whom left an indelible mark on the program.
Lanier’s three SEC Player of the Week awards in a single season place him among the most accomplished players in recent Tennessee history. He becomes just the third player under Barnes to achieve such a feat, joining Knecht (who earned four awards in 2023-24) and Williams (who received three in 2018-19). This achievement is a testament to Lanier’s consistent excellence and his ability to elevate his play when the team needs it the most.
Looking ahead, Lanier and the fifth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers (22-5, 9-5 SEC) will continue their SEC campaign with an important road game on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There, they will take on LSU at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in a game that will be broadcast live on SEC Network. With Lanier’s recent performances and the team’s overall strong play, Tennessee will be looking to maintain their momentum as they approach the final stretch of the regular season.
As the Volunteers gear up for their matchup against LSU, there is no doubt that Chaz Lanier will continue to play a pivotal role in the team’s success. His ability to score from all areas of the court, especially beyond the three-point line, makes him a key player to watch. With his leadership, scoring ability, and clutch performances, Lanier has proven that he is one of the top players not only in the SEC but also in all of NCAA Division I basketball. As Tennessee looks to make a deep run in the postseason, Lanier will undoubtedly be a central figure in the team’s quest for success.