Chaz Lanier Shatters Tennessee Shooting Records in Summer Workouts, Eyeing Single-Season History as Senior
As the summer sun blazed down on the courts of the University of Tennessee, one name became synonymous with unprecedented excellence and relentless dedication: Chaz Lanier. The 6’4″ shooting guard from Nashville, Tennessee, who has already established himself as one of the most dynamic players in college basketball, has set the basketball community ablaze with his remarkable shooting feats during the summer workouts of his senior year.
Lanier’s workouts in the summer of 2025 were not just about fine-tuning his already-impressive skills but rather about rewriting the Tennessee basketball record books and positioning himself for a historic senior season. With a burning desire to go down in history as one of the greatest players in the school’s illustrious basketball legacy, Lanier’s journey has captivated fans, coaches, and analysts alike. He’s not simply aiming to break records—he’s setting his sights on creating a legacy that will resonate long after his time in Knoxville has ended.
The Rise of Chaz Lanier: A Talent Unmatched
Chaz Lanier’s path to Tennessee basketball greatness didn’t begin in an empty gym or even in the grandest of high school arenas. His journey began in the streets of Nashville, where basketball was a language that transcended everything. From a young age, it was clear that Lanier possessed an innate ability to shoot the ball. His deep three-pointers, smooth stroke, and ability to create his own shot quickly earned him attention from scouts, coaches, and fans. By the time he was in high school, he was already considered one of the top shooting prospects in the country.
Lanier’s college journey began with his commitment to the University of Tennessee, a school with a rich basketball history, albeit one that had not produced a shooting phenom like Lanier in quite some time. From the moment he stepped foot on campus, it was clear that Tennessee had a special talent in its midst. His freshman season was solid, but it was his sophomore year that really captured the attention of college basketball. Averaging 16 points per game while shooting an impressive 42% from beyond the arc, Lanier quickly established himself as one of the top shooters in the nation.
Last season, as a junior, Lanier took another step forward, averaging 20 points per game and solidifying his place as one of the top shooters in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His game had grown more mature, and his shooting percentage from the field had continued to rise. By the end of the season, he had become the focal point of Tennessee’s offense and had developed a reputation for clutch performances in tight games. Despite his stellar play, Lanier’s hunger for more was only just beginning.
Summer Workouts: A Season of Transformation
The summer of 2025 was unlike any other for Chaz Lanier. While many athletes spent their offseason either resting or engaging in their usual workouts, Lanier took a different approach. He entered the summer determined to make the most of his final year in Knoxville, knowing that his senior season was his last chance to leave his mark on Tennessee basketball. His goal was clear: break every shooting record in sight and cement his name in the history books of one of the most storied programs in college basketball.
Lanier’s workouts were intense and relentless. It wasn’t just about hitting 100 or 200 shots in a day—it was about precision, consistency, and mental toughness. Each day, Lanier would rise before dawn and hit the gym, often with only his personal trainer and assistant coaches by his side. His routine included hours of shooting from all spots on the court, focusing particularly on deep three-pointers, contested jumpers, and free throws under pressure.
However, what truly set this summer apart was Lanier’s innovative approach to training. Instead of just taking routine jump shots, he integrated various game-like situations into his workouts. He practiced coming off screens, catching and shooting in motion, and draining shots under pressure, mimicking the intensity of real game situations. What’s more, Lanier worked tirelessly to perfect his shooting form, tweaking minor details to maximize his shooting efficiency.
“I wanted to focus on refining every aspect of my shooting,” Lanier explained. “It’s not just about making shots—it’s about making them consistently, regardless of the pressure or the situation. Every shot counts, and I’ve been treating every workout like it’s Game 7 of the Final Four.”
It wasn’t long before the results began to speak for themselves. Lanier’s shooting percentages skyrocketed, and he was making shots from distances that few college players would even attempt. Reports from team officials described Lanier as “unstoppable” during his summer workouts, hitting 70% of his three-pointers on many days and regularly surpassing 40 points during scrimmages. This wasn’t just good—this was historic. His workout numbers were beyond anything anyone had ever seen from a Tennessee player.
Breaking Tennessee’s Shooting Records
As Lanier’s workouts continued, it became clear that he wasn’t just setting personal goals; he was on the verge of breaking records that had stood for decades at Tennessee. The most coveted record on his radar was the single-season three-point shooting record. Held by legendary Volunteer Chris Lofton, who set the bar with 117 three-pointers in the 2007 season, this record was one that Lanier was determined to surpass.
Throughout his career, Lanier had shown that he was capable of putting up astronomical numbers. In his sophomore year, he hit 92 three-pointers, followed by 102 in his junior campaign. But with the way his summer workouts were going, breaking Lofton’s record seemed not only achievable but inevitable.
“I’ve been working on all aspects of my shooting,” Lanier stated. “But getting that single-season record—becoming the all-time leader in three-pointers at Tennessee—that’s a huge goal for me. Lofton’s a legend, and it would be an honor to join him at the top of the record books.”
But Lanier’s summer achievements didn’t stop at the three-point line. His free throw shooting also saw dramatic improvement. Over the course of his first three years at Tennessee, Lanier’s free throw shooting hovered around 80%. But after hours of shooting drills that mimicked high-pressure situations—complete with loud crowds and simulated fouls—Lanier’s free throw percentage improved to an astonishing 91%, placing him among the elite free-throw shooters in the nation.
With his shooting form and confidence at an all-time high, Lanier also set his sights on another significant achievement: the all-time single-season points record. That record, which stood at 900 points for a season, was another milestone that Lanier believed was within his grasp.
Lanier’s Impact on Tennessee Basketball
Lanier’s shooting dominance during the summer has had an undeniable impact on Tennessee basketball. His work ethic has set a new standard for the entire team, and his dedication has inspired both current players and recruits to push their limits. Head coach Rick Barnes, who has been in the business for decades, has consistently praised Lanier for his leadership and commitment.
“Chaz is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching,” Barnes said. “He’s the type of player that makes everyone around him better. His attention to detail, his obsession with perfecting his craft—it’s something special. He’s not just trying to break records; he’s setting an example for the next generation of players at Tennessee.”
The summer workouts have not only improved Lanier’s individual game but have also helped to raise the level of play across the entire Tennessee roster. His teammates, who have watched him break records day in and day out, are motivated to step up their games. The Vols’ offensive system, which has always relied heavily on the three-point shot, has become even more dynamic with Lanier leading the charge.
The Road Ahead: A Historic Senior Season
As the 2025-2026 basketball season approaches, the eyes of Tennessee fans—and indeed, college basketball fans across the country—are firmly fixed on Chaz Lanier. He is poised for what many believe will be a record-breaking senior season, one that will etch his name into the annals of college basketball history.
Lanier’s primary goals for the upcoming season are clear: break the single-season three-point record, surpass the 900-point mark, and lead Tennessee to a deep run in the NCAA tournament. But beyond the individual accolades, Lanier is driven by a larger mission: bringing a national championship to Knoxville. For Lanier, this final season is not just about personal glory—it’s about securing a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
“I’m ready for this challenge,” Lanier said, his voice brimming with confidence. “This is my last chance to do something special, and I’m going to give everything I’ve got. Whether it’s breaking records or winning a championship, I’m all in. This is the year that Tennessee basketball makes history.”
As the 2025-2026 season gets underway, one thing is clear: Chaz Lanier is poised to redefine the limits of what’s possible in college basketball. With his unparalleled shooting ability, relentless work ethic, and undying commitment to greatness, Lanier is setting the stage for one of the most memorable senior seasons in the history of the sport. The records may fall, but Lanier’s legacy is already set in stone.