The Tennessee Basketball Record for Threes Made in a Season Now Belongs to Chaz Lanier!
Basketball is a game defined by moments—those fleeting instances when an athlete defies expectations, breaks records, and makes history. For Chaz Lanier, that moment arrived during the 2024-2025 season, as he set the new benchmark for the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team by breaking the program’s record for three-pointers made in a season. Lanier’s achievement represents not only a personal milestone but also marks a new chapter in the program’s illustrious history, cementing his name in the Volunteer legacy.
The road to breaking such a prestigious record was never an easy one. With a tradition of great basketball at Tennessee, including numerous players who have shone brightly in NCAA history, the task of surpassing such a mark required more than just physical ability—it demanded determination, skill, and an unrelenting commitment to improvement. But in a season that saw the team rise to new heights, it was Lanier who would ultimately etch his name alongside the program’s greatest players.
A New Record: Chaz Lanier’s Record-Breaking Achievement
Chaz Lanier’s path to becoming Tennessee’s all-time leader in three-pointers made in a season is a testament to his dedication and growth as a player. On March 5, 2025, in a regular-season finale against SEC rival Auburn, Lanier connected on his 98th three-pointer of the year, surpassing the previous mark of 97 set by former standout guard, Jordan Bowden, during the 2019-2020 season. But it wasn’t just that one shot that made Lanier’s performance so remarkable—it was the consistency with which he was able to hit from beyond the arc throughout the year.
Lanier, a junior transfer from Liberty University, initially made waves when he arrived at Tennessee. Known for his ability to shoot from anywhere on the court, his smooth release and quick trigger made him a natural fit for Tennessee’s uptempo, three-point heavy offense. But it was his relentless work ethic that pushed him to new heights. Lanier spent countless hours in the gym, perfecting his shooting form, adjusting his release under pressure, and increasing his basketball IQ to make sure he was in the right spot at the right time.
The Significance of Lanier’s Achievement
To understand the magnitude of Lanier’s achievement, one must look at the context of Tennessee basketball’s history. The Volunteers have been home to some of the most prolific shooters in college basketball over the years. Players like Chris Lofton, a Tennessee legend and one of the best three-point shooters in SEC history, set high standards for what it means to excel from beyond the arc. Lofton’s influence on the program, both as a scorer and as a leader, has been felt for decades. Breaking such a record, therefore, was never going to be easy for Lanier—but his blend of poise and precision allowed him to rise to the occasion.
What makes Lanier’s three-point record even more impressive is the pace at which he achieved it. Over the course of just one season, Lanier’s ability to knock down shots with consistency has been one of the most impressive aspects of his game. His 98 three-pointers this season came in 30 games, giving him an average of over 3.2 three-pointers per game. This type of consistency from distance has made him a focal point of opposing defenses, who have been forced to adjust their game plans just to try to limit his effectiveness. But despite all the defensive scheming against him, Lanier has continued to excel.
Lanier’s Evolution as a Shooter
Chaz Lanier’s ability to rise to the occasion this season is a reflection of his constant growth as a player. When he first arrived at Tennessee, his shooting was good but not yet elite. While his raw talent was undeniable, he knew that to make a real impact, he would need to elevate his game to the next level. His ability to shoot from deep range was certainly there, but Lanier worked tirelessly to become more efficient, especially when it came to taking high-pressure shots in crunch time.
Much of his improvement as a shooter can be attributed to his increased understanding of the game. Lanier is not just a spot-up shooter; he’s a basketball player who is constantly moving without the ball, finding open spaces, and creating separation from defenders. Lanier worked with Tennessee’s coaching staff throughout the offseason to improve his movement off the ball, understanding that creating opportunities to shoot wasn’t just about standing on the three-point line and waiting for a pass. As a result, his ability to get clean looks has improved dramatically.
The evolution of his shot selection has been key to his success this season. While he has the green light to take shots from virtually anywhere on the court, Lanier has become more discerning, focusing on high-percentage looks rather than forcing difficult shots. This decision-making process has allowed him to shoot at a much higher percentage, further cementing his status as one of the best shooters in the country.
Team Dynamics and Lanier’s Impact
One of the things that sets Lanier apart from other great shooters is his ability to contribute to his team’s overall success, not just in terms of individual accolades. His shooting has provided an important spark for Tennessee’s offense, which has relied heavily on outside shooting to stretch defenses. But Lanier’s impact extends beyond just his scoring.
Throughout the season, Lanier has consistently been a leader on the court, constantly communicating with his teammates, getting them in the right spots, and setting them up for success. His basketball IQ has allowed him to create opportunities not only for himself but for others as well. His ability to draw attention from defenders has opened up lanes for his teammates to drive to the basket or get open looks of their own.
Lanier’s leadership on and off the court has been invaluable to Tennessee’s success this season. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a key playmaker, facilitator, and motivator for a team that has aspirations of competing for an SEC title and making a deep run in the NCAA tournament. His ability to stay calm under pressure, as well as his constant desire to push himself and his teammates to improve, has earned him the respect of his coaches and fellow players alike.
A Record That Could Last
When Lanier surpassed the previous record for threes made in a season, there were undoubtedly some who thought that the mark would stand for a long time. After all, setting a new record requires a combination of factors, including skill, opportunity, and consistency. But given Lanier’s track record and the way he’s progressed as a player, it’s possible that this record will only continue to grow.
One of the unique aspects of Lanier’s journey is that he is still relatively young in his college basketball career. With two more seasons of eligibility remaining, he has the potential to extend this record even further, possibly making it a benchmark that future generations of Tennessee players will have to chase for years to come. Lanier’s work ethic and drive to continually improve mean that this season’s record-breaking performance could just be the beginning of a lasting legacy at Tennessee.
The Bigger Picture: Tennessee’s Continued Success
While Lanier’s record-breaking season has rightfully earned him individual recognition, it’s important to understand the significance of his achievement in the broader context of Tennessee basketball. Lanier’s success represents the culmination of years of hard work by the coaching staff, administrators, and players who have helped build Tennessee into one of the most respected programs in college basketball.
The Volunteers have been a consistent force in the SEC and NCAA tournaments over the years, and Lanier’s performance further underscores the strength of the program. With the continued success of Tennessee’s basketball program, the expectations are high, and Lanier is now at the center of that future. His success is not just a reflection of his individual talent, but a testament to the team-oriented culture that has been instilled in the program.
Chaz Lanier’s record-breaking achievement in 2025 is a moment that will be remembered by Tennessee basketball fans for years to come. With his ability to shoot the three-pointer with such precision and consistency, Lanier has redefined what it means to be a sharpshooter for the Volunteers. As he continues to develop and refine his game, there’s no telling just how much further this record might go. But one thing is for sure: Lanier’s name is now firmly entrenched in the annals of Tennessee basketball history, and he has proven himself to be one of the finest players ever to wear the orange and white.