Chaz Lanier has been named the recipient of the 2025 Jerry West Award, a prestigious honor recognizing the top shooting guard in college basketball. This award, named after the legendary Hall of Famer Jerry West—himself an iconic shooting guard known for his scoring prowess and clutch performances—has come to symbolize excellence at the position, and Lanier’s journey to this moment is nothing short of remarkable. His path to stardom was not the traditional one, but through determination, development, and dominance, he etched his name into college basketball history.
Lanier’s story is one of perseverance and late-blooming brilliance. The fifth-year senior entered this season with relatively modest national attention, but those close to the game understood his potential. Coming into the year, he had already demonstrated flashes of offensive explosiveness and defensive tenacity, but few predicted that he would blossom into the most lethal shooting guard in the country. As the season progressed, Lanier didn’t just meet expectations—he obliterated them.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Lanier possesses an ideal frame for a guard, with a smooth shooting stroke and a deceptive first step that made him a nightmare for defenders. What set him apart this season wasn’t just his ability to score—though his averages were elite—it was how he scored. Lanier displayed a mastery of all three levels of the floor. Whether it was knocking down contested threes, weaving into the lane for floaters, or pulling up in the mid-range with precision, he made scoring look effortless. His footwork, patience, and basketball IQ allowed him to pick apart defenses, and when he got hot, there was virtually no answer.
Lanier’s season was defined by consistency and clutch play. Game after game, he delivered performances that left coaches scrambling for answers. In conference play, he emerged as the go-to guy, routinely putting up 20+ points against some of the top defenses in the country. What made his impact even more pronounced was his efficiency. He shot well over 40% from beyond the arc while maintaining a high field goal percentage overall, a rarity for a guard who was often the focal point of defensive game plans.
Beyond his shooting, Lanier demonstrated a willingness and ability to affect the game in other ways. He improved as a passer, drawing double teams and kicking the ball out to open teammates. His rebounding numbers were impressive for a guard, and defensively he took on some of the toughest perimeter assignments, using his anticipation and quick hands to create turnovers and fast-break opportunities. His leadership was just as crucial—he was the emotional engine of his team, setting the tone with his competitiveness and work ethic.
One of the highlights of his season—and perhaps a defining moment in his candidacy for the Jerry West Award—came in a late-season showdown against a ranked opponent, where Lanier dropped 32 points, including a go-ahead bucket in the final minute and a pair of free throws to seal the win. In that game, he showcased every facet of his skill set: deep threes, aggressive drives, silky mid-range jumpers, and suffocating perimeter defense. It was a signature performance in a season full of them.
Lanier’s rise is also a testament to player development and the value of staying the course. In an era where many players chase early entry into the professional ranks or transfer at the first sign of adversity, Lanier stayed committed to his growth. Over the years, he refined his body, sharpened his skills, and matured into the leader his team needed. By the time he reached his final collegiate season, he had transformed from a promising role player into a dominant force.
What also makes Lanier’s achievement significant is the legacy of the award itself. Previous winners of the Jerry West Award include some of the brightest stars in the NBA today—players who have gone on to become All-Stars, scoring champions, and franchise cornerstones. To join that list is not only an acknowledgment of his current excellence but also a projection of what he might become. The award recognizes not just statistics but impact—the ability to take over games, to elevate teammates, and to thrive under pressure. Lanier checked all those boxes with resounding authority.
Off the court, Lanier carried himself with humility and professionalism. He embraced the role of a student-athlete, contributing to his campus community and being a role model for younger teammates. Coaches and fans alike praised his maturity and work ethic, often pointing to him as the heart and soul of the locker room. His story resonated because it was one that many could relate to—a player who wasn’t handed stardom but earned it, step by step.
His coach was effusive in his praise throughout the year, often calling Lanier the most coachable player he’s ever had. He spoke of Lanier’s early mornings in the gym, his commitment to film study, and his resilience in the face of adversity. It was clear to everyone around the program that Lanier was on a mission this season—not just to prove his doubters wrong, but to fulfill the promise he had always believed in himself.
As the postseason rolled around, Lanier’s dominance only intensified. He rose to the moment with a string of electrifying performances in the conference tournament and beyond, helping guide his team deep into March. He was often double-teamed, face-guarded, and game-planned for, but rarely could anyone contain him. His poise in high-pressure situations, combined with his elite skill set, made him the most feared shooting guard in the nation.
The announcement of the Jerry West Award came as little surprise to those who had followed the season closely. Still, the moment was filled with emotion. Lanier accepted the award with grace, thanking his coaches, teammates, family, and fans. In his speech, he reflected on the journey—not just the triumphs but also the struggles. He spoke of the early mornings, the setbacks, and the belief that carried him through. It was a speech that captured the essence of who he is: humble, driven, and deeply passionate about the game.
Looking ahead, the future is bright for Chaz Lanier. NBA scouts have taken notice of his incredible season, and he’s expected to be a hot commodity in the upcoming draft. His combination of size, shooting, and competitiveness makes him a natural fit at the next level. But wherever his career takes him, the 2025 Jerry West Award will forever be a testament to his excellence in college basketball.
In winning this award, Lanier not only solidified his legacy as the best shooting guard in the country this season, but he also became a symbol of what’s possible through hard work and perseverance. He didn’t arrive at stardom overnight. He built it day by day, game by game, season by season. And in doing so, he gave college basketball fans a story—and a player—they’ll never forget.
Chaz Lanier’s 2025 season will be remembered not just for the points he scored, but for the way he played the game—with joy, intensity, and heart. The Jerry West Award is a fitting tribute to a player who embodied everything the honor stands for. From a promising recruit to the best shooting guard in the nation, his rise was extraordinary. And though his college journey may be coming to an end, his basketball story is just beginning.