Chaz Lanier: Staying Down For It
An article centered around Chaz Lanier, including excerpts from his interview with Stephen.
Staying Down For It
So much of a player’s trajectory has to do with opportunity. It’s something that is discussed routinely in draft circles. Typically, people discuss the importance of opportunity when projecting prospects to the pros. Fit means a ton for a player’s chances of becoming an NBA player, but what about before that point? What about opportunity for players in college—or maybe high school players trying to even play in college?
The obvious answer to all of those questions is “yes”, but how often is that thought process applied? Many times, when a player who has an uber-productive season in a smaller conference, evaluators will accredit that productivity to a level of competition or an unsustainable usage rate/role. Sometimes, to quote many great evaluators, you have to listen when a player tells you how good they are.
North Florida star guard Chaz Lanier has been telling the world with his game all year.
The Buildup
Chaz Lanier is from the state of Tennessee and grew up with a great love for the game.
“I’ve been playing [basketball] ever since I could walk. When I was super young I had the little goal I used to play on in my living room. Both of my parents played collegiate basketball—my dad at Lipscomb, my mother at Alcorn. It’s [basketball] just in my blood, man. I’ve been loving the game since I was little.”
That love for the game carried with Chaz all the way through his high school playing days. Despite beginning his high school playing time at 5’6”, Chaz would continue to develop his game—though it wasn’t always easy.
“I was 5’6”—on a good day…It was really a blessing in disguise. When I was small, I was like ‘Why am I this small? My dad is 6’5” and I’m 5’6”. My brother is 6’5”/6’6”.’ I told my mom that I don’t think basketball is for me—I’m just being real. She was like ‘Honey, just stick with it. You love the game. It’s in your blood. Just stick with it.’
It was a blessing in disguise because when you’re that small, you’re the point guard; you’re forced to be the point guard. So I was able to develop those skills—keep them and sharpen them as I got taller. So it was really a blessing.
When I was a sophomore, I grew to 5’10”. My next jump was as a junior, where I just got taller and taller. I had those [guard] skills and then I added my athleticism that I gained as well. I kept pushing in the weight room.”
Chaz would end up being named as a finalist for Tennessee’s “Mr. Basketball” and would be named Player of the Year for his conference. While being such a force in Tennessee, he would only be offered a couple of offers to play college hoops on scholarship.
“Recruitment was slow. Going into my senior year I had one D-II offer from Alabama-Huntsville. By the end of the season, I still didn’t have anything. And then mid-March, that’s when I committed to North Florida—I was choosing between Campbell and North Florida. I ended up rolling with North Florida because the culture down there [Jacksonville, Florida] and the program. Plus, it’s Florida. I’m from Nashville [Tennessee] so, why not go to Florida. I don’t regret it at all. I had a great experience down there.
Recruitment was slow, but it’s still a blessing.”
Like most players who weren’t 3-to-5-star recruits, Chaz wasn’t guaranteed playing time or a large role; he had to work his way up the ranks. The talent on North Florida was strong within their conference, which led to a more modest role for Chaz. He would push through that process and, ultimately, would be asked to take on the lion’s share of responsibility for the Ospreys this season.
“My mindset really was like "‘I stayed down for this moment’, so really I might as well take advantage of it and shine. I remember coming in my freshman year—just practicing—and I was like ‘Man, the pace is so fast; I’m definitely not ready right now.’ I remember catching the ball on the wing, and I’d have a shot. Then, in one split second, it’d be gone. I was like ‘This is a little bit different, but I’m gonna take this year and learn from it.’
My sophomore year, I began to play a little bit more. Into my junior year I played much more. Then the guys left; we had three all-league guys leave. The opportunity was really there for me to step up into that role and be ‘That Guy.’ My coaches really put that confidence in me, and then I had to have the confidence in myself to really take that jump.
I remember talking to my coach at the end of my junior year—the exit meeting—and he was like ‘You worked for this moment. If you do what you’re supposed to do, your senior year you’re going to have a beautiful story to tell.’ I just thought about that every night before I went to sleep. I truly trusted in him, and I trusted in myself, and we made it happen.”
The Crunch
Chaz’s season was very impressive and caught many within the draft space off guard. From a prospect of anonymity to being one of the most efficient scorers in college hoops, let’s establish his statistical baseline for comparison:
Minutes Percentage - 84.6
BPM - 4.6
Offensive Rating - 124.4
Usage Percentage - 24.3
Effective Field Goal Percentage - 62.8
True Shooting Percentage - 66.2
Offensive Rebounding Percentage - 1.8
Defensive Rebounding Percentage - 14.4
Assist Percentage - 11.6
Turnover Percentage - 12.1
Assist:Turnover- 1.1
Block Percentage - 0.8
Steals Percentage - 1.5
Free Throw Rate - 27.2
Dunks - 24
Two Point Percentage - 59.8 (101/169)
Three Point Percentage - 43.4 (96/221)
For his two prior seasons, Lanier maintained a usage percentage of about 11 but as his his usage has increased by about 13%, Chaz saw his two-point percentage jump by almost 10% on +123 attempts. His three-point percentage also increased by +3.1% on + 159 attempts. His turnover and assist percentages are career-bests, as well as his offensive rating.
What Chaz has been able to do this season has been one of offensive significance—not just for college players, but for all players dating back to 2008. With the applied filter above, only four players have registered similar seasons. Jock Landale and Dylan Windler have been on NBA rosters for several seasons, while Jaycee Carroll proved to be an international mainstay for 13 seasons.
To put some of Chaz’s other metrics in comparison to others who have come before him, his shooting splits, dunks, and steals percentage are in line with only four other players: Mikal Bridges, Dylan Windler, Ben McLemore, and Trey Murphy III.
All of those four have made the NBA—two of whom are thought to be among the best young wings: Bridges and Murphy III. While Chaz is a bit shorter, he has been just as efficient from the three major areas on the offensive end. His steal numbers are the lowest of the listed players, but he is also the only guard on the list.
The Dive
In the 2022-2023 season, Lanier spent the majority of his time (43.6%) on spot-up looks—where he ranked in the 93rd percentile (Excellent). That time in a supporting role allowed Chaz to grow confidence in his jumper. That jumper would be a major factor in his approach to the game this season. Interestingly enough, he was only graded in the third percentile (Poor) on 12 pick-and-roll possessions, where he initiated the offense. That number would improve drastically into the 97th (Excellent) percentile on 106 possessions.
The Offense
Chaz Lanier wrapped up this season by scoring 1.202 points per possession. This ranked seventh among all players in college basketball who averaged at least 10 possessions per game. He was able to accomplish that while being in the Top 50 in total three pointers attempted. To call Chaz efficient would be an understatement.
“It [becoming a superior scorer] definitely wasn’t an overnight thing. It took years to get the to point where I was at [this season]. I would really say the switch for me was the second game of the season at Charleston Southern. I went off for like 30 or 33, or something like that, and I was like ‘Oh man. This season could really be the season.’
Coming into this season, I didn’t really know what to expect. In the summer I was kind of ‘That Guy’ but I didn’t know how many points and how many assists I would average—or what that would look like. But after that second game, I was like ‘Oh man. I could be something serious.’ That’s when I really started gaining that confidence.”
Self Creation
One of the best aspects of Lanier’s game is his ability to find weaknesses in his defender, and then exploit them. Having some of the best handles in college basketball, Chaz is able to get to his spots and he can make a defender pay for a single misstep.
Chaz’s footwork and handle are a huge part of his offensive identity. The combination of precise hand and foot employment applies pressure to the heels of his matchup, but they must stay on their toes due to his range.
In this matchup, we get to see Lanier go to work. Chaz quickly works to the left side of the floor, and gets into the two-man game with his teammate, Jake Van Der Heijden (#32). Chaz gets the switch he is looking for, and then goes into isolation against his defender. He is able to attack the rim and decelerate to create separation. To ensure he gets optimal spacing, our guy goes into a step-back into the left corner. With picturesque execution, Chaz is able to let it fly for three easy points.
With Chaz’s range, he doesn’t need much time to get his shot off. As he advances the ball past halfcourt, he goes off of a quick screen from Nate Lliteras (#11). Lanier’s defender doesn’t lose much ground, but our guy doesn’t need a ton of daylight to let it fly. Another three.
We’ll see why his driving demands respect in a minute, but on this play against Austin Peay, Chaz shows patience to get to his spot.
Chaz gets the ball on the right wing with 19 seconds left. He goes toward the top of the key to run a pick-and-roll. Once the switch occurs, Lanier slows it down and brings his man out in the open. His combination of moves in an attack stance forces the defender to be prepared for multiple possibilities.
Lanier drives left over 60% of the time—which was likely the scout on him. The defense had to account for the decisive left foot step to the rim. Stepping back in anticipation of the drive opened up the step-back of Chaz’s right foot, and gave him enough room to hit a three.
Creation for Others
Chaz is just as cerebral in his prodding of the defense for teammates as he is for himself. This past season, he ranked in the 84th percentile (Excellent) on pick-and-roll possessions including passes. His decision-making has taken big strides in the right direction. With the gravity he draws due to his efficient scoring, defenses must make him beat them by passing.
On this play, Chaz starts the play away from the ball. He runs up to the right wing and gets the pass with 10 seconds left. The short clock is often thought to put more pressure on the offense, but Chaz’s defender is doing mental gymnastics to determine to whom and when he should commit.
Chaz rejects the screen which forces his man to flip his hips and puts him behind the play. By that point, there are six seconds left on the clock. Chaz’s drive draws the attention of two defenders in the deny position. This also draws the eyes of the help defense on the right side of the floor. There are several players he could pass to, but Lanier kicks to the same-side corner to Jasai Miles (#0)—who connects from deep.
When Chaz gets it rolling, he can manipulate the defense without even moving. In this game against Austin Peay, North Florida get the rebound off of the miss and looks to get into their offense quickly. Lanier gets the ball and works his way to the top of the key. He’s met by Jah Nze (#1), who sets a sound screen for him.
Lanier stops, shows a quick up-fake, and looks away from Nze, who is gunning to the rim. Chaz looks to the left wing, which freezes the defense. As he is looking to the left wing, Chaz whips a pass with his off-hand to Nze for a nice lay-in.
“One of the things that my coach really emphasized with us is ‘Simple is sophisticated.’ He really taught us to play the game the right way. Growing up, my dad really taught me to play the game the right way. Just make the easy play-make the easy read. If someone is on your right shoulder, use your left hand. You don’t have to force anything.
I feel like that’s why I was so efficient this year, because I just make the simple plays. I really didn’t force anything. When you go out there and play with confidence, it makes everything a little bit easier. If you really trust and believe in yourself, you can take yourself to a different level.”
Attacking
Chaz has driven on offensive possessions 13.8% of his time on the floor. To put that into perspective, Reed Sheppard has driven 13.7% of his time on the floor. Tyler Kolek drove on 9.5% of his possessions. KJ Simpson on 13.8%. All that is to say, Chaz is viewed as a premier three-point shooter, but he is pressuring the defense as much as some of the top point guards in this coming draft class.
“I’ve been an underdog my whole life—I still consider myself to be an underdog. My mentality coming into the game is “I got to kill—I got to be the best player on the floor. For me and for my teammates. I give a lot of credit to my teammates, because they put me in position to be where I’m at right now. They’re the ones who are passing me the ball and screening for me, so a big shout out to them. But, my mentality is I have to come out here and kill. Especially, to get put on the map and do what I told myself I’m going to do, I have to go out there and do my thing.”
While we can see the pressure that Lanier provides, his patience and counters are what make him such a well-rounded scorer. Again, his handle and footwork cause the defense so many problems because if they play on their toes, he can work them into being off base and drive past them. If they are on their heels, Chaz can punish them by pulling up for a jumper—as shown above.
Of course, Chaz can also step around the defense as well. In this clip against Jacksonville, we see our guy get the ball on the right wing. In just a few dribbles, Chaz gets past his initial defender, and goes into a smooth hop step for a nice layup.
The Defense
Chaz isn’t going to be thought of when it comes to the better college defenders, but he has quite a solid season nonetheless. Per Synergy, he only allowed 56 makes on 165 attempts—yielding an opponent field goal percentage of 33.9%. In the halfcourt, that field goal percentage does increase, but only to 34.6% on 145 possessions.
Chaz does a great job here of sticking with his man as the shot clock winds down. As his assignment gets the ball on the right wing with five seconds left, Lanier closes the driving lane to force his man to go back out to the three-point line with three seconds left. The step-back is anticipated, and Chaz is able to close space and contest the shot without fouling. Because he is able to close out and get vertical, Chaz forces the tough shot, and it falls well short.
Beyond showing good individual defense, Chaz had very good moments rotating to show help. After a series of shallow cuts, Lanier’s man is in the left wing with the ball at the top of the key—putting our guy in help. His man works his way back to the top of the key, and Chaz switches as a screen is set.
Our guy is able to deny a passing lane as his new assignment dives to the paint. As his former man now drives to the lane, Chaz finds himself seemingly sealed off, as he is now outside of where the ball handler is attacking. Chaz cuts under the big, gets into a strong stance, and is able to get up to contest the layup. His efforts force the miss. Good challenge while being in a non-advantageous position.
Chaz’s communication on defense shows how much he has grown as a player and a leader for the Ospreys. By himself, our guy switches four times in this clip. Take note of how is he actively communicating to his guys on when to switch. He doesn’t get credit for a contest on this possession, but the way he and his team are in synch prevents their opponent from getting an open look. Austin Peay isn’t able to get a clean look, and has to force up a tough shot with one second left on the clock.
On this clip against Central Arkansas, Chaz demonstrates his ability to stay with his man—despite some off-ball actions taking place to get him open.
To start this play, Lanier switches on the left wing. He quickly goes from help to deny, and is able to prevent a clean pass to his man as he cuts to the rim. He then goes under the baseline screen, and then goes under the shallow cut. This prevents a potential skip pass to his man in the opposite corner.
As the ball works around, Chaz’s man goes several feet behind the three-point arc with 10 seconds left on the clock. As the ball is pushed to the rim, Lanier goes to help with his man well beyond the arc. The ball is pushed to the paint, which then causes Chaz to go back to his assignment. His man catches the ball with three seconds on the clock.
Knowing how much time is left, Chaz gives his man space to meet him closer to the line. Lanier’s line goes for the heave instead, to which our guys are able to still give a good contest without fouling. That’s the shot you want your opponent to shoot.
Curtains
Chaz submitted his name as an early entrant for the coming NBA Draft, while maintaining his college eligibility. He also entered the transfer portal, giving him the most amount of flexibility. As a self-admitted underdog, Chaz wants to show his game to those who make decisions in NBA Front Offices.
“It’s [preparing for the NBA] all new for me and my family. It’s all God—it’s all a blessing. It’s all brand new for me and my family, so I’m enjoying the process and staying where my feet are planted—truly enjoying every day.
Just based off the numbers and my film, you know that I can shoot the ball. I really want to put my defense on display—I’ve really been working on my defense this pre-draft process. Also, my playmaking ability—coming off of screens and getting others involved. I was really known for my scoring, and I really want to put my passing and playmaking abilities—being dynamic with my dribbles all on display.”
What could an NBA team expect should they want to look into drafting a player like Chaz Lanier?
“I’m a versatile guard. I can really shoot the ball and use my athleticism to get downhill. But, most importantly, you’re getting a genuine guy who loves the game—who really just love people and like supporting the people. A true servant.
You’re going to get somebody who give 100% effort, everyday, and who is a true dog. I stay down for everything I have—and I’ve earned it. And I give glory to God, man.”
Whether or not Chaz makes the leap this season or next, his game speaks for itself. His attitude is the stuff that teams love. As he prepares for his next step, you can bet that Chaz is staying down for the opportunities that lie ahead.
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