What Chaz Lanier said after signing his rookie contract with the Detroit Pistons

What Chaz Lanier said during his introductory press conference after signing his rookie contract with the Detroit Pistons:

His move from North Florida to Tennessee, continuing to produce at a high level and now moving onto the NBA

“Yeah, I mean just being confident, having a lot of confidence in myself taking that jump from North Florida to Tennessee. My teammates had a lot of confidence in me. And I mean I know I had put the work in and it was only a matter of time before I showed it on the floor at a high-major level. So once I saw it transpire, I just took it and ran with it. And I feel like the same will be here with the Detroit Pistons, hopefully. Just being a more mature guy, I’ve been through it a little bit. So just having experience and being able to make that translate.”

If he thought there was a chance the Detroit Pistons would draft him

“Yeah, I knew that there was definitely mutual interest. Me and my agent, we had talked a lot. So we really wanted to make sure we could get out here. I had a great workout and I had great interactions with everybody when I came out here to work out. Just a super great organization out here. And to make sure we could get out here, I had a great workout and I had great interactions with everybody when I came out here to work out. This is just a super great organization out here. And the few days that I’ve been out here has been amazing. They’ve treated me well, great hospitality. And we’ve just been getting after in practice.”

Hearing his name called in the NBA Draft 

“Yeah, I mean, definitely a lot of emotions. I had a lot of my family and friends there with me in Nashville. It was just a surreal feeling. It still doesn’t feel real. It’s just been all a blessing. It’s been happening fast, but it’s just been a blessing 

Being an older player, how that plays a part moving forward 

“As a more mature guy, I feel like I can step in and play immediately. I mean, I feel like they had a great year last year. So just being able to do whatever they need me to do, come in, make shots when I need to. And whenever I get on the floor, make sure I’m playing defense, playing hard. That’s a given for sure to get on any NBA floor, to play hard on defense. And when I get my opportunity, just take full advantage of it. 

What he’s looking forward to in the NBA Summer League

“Just having fun out there, going and playing my game, getting to mesh with the guys. Ron (Holland) and Tolu (Smith) and DJ (Daniss Jenkins), a lot of the guys we’ve been practicing with. But going out there playing my game and having fun and just getting used to the NBA style of play.” 

Getting to play with former Tennessee point guard Zakai Zeigler on the Pistons Summer League team

“Super exciting. He was my PG at Tennessee. Great player. I love Zakai a lot. So it’s definitely an exciting feeling being able to play with him. And just a great opportunity.”

Getting to Detroit and joining the Pistons, having his family with him during that process 

“When we first got to the hotel, I had all my family here and there was a lot of gear laid out in the room. And my dad took off his clothes immediately and put on the Detroit Pistons clothes and we went walking down the street. And just walking around downtown Detroit, I mean everybody’s just been super nice to me and my family.” 

Representing his hometown of Nashville 

“It means a lot coming from Nashville, Tennessee. It’s a lot of people supporting me back home. Family, friends, just the city. And then being able to put the Pistons on my chest, I know that means a lot to the people out here in Michigan and the Pistons fans. So I’m not going to let them down. I’m going to give my all every day.”

Playing with a playmaker like Pistons guard Cade Cunningham

“Just from watching his film, he makes the game so much easier for the guys around him. He’s able to create for himself and create for other people on the floor. And he’s just super vocal and he’s a leader. 

“I’ve been watching him since he was at Oklahoma State. And then when he got to the NBA, I’ve been definitely tuned in watching him. He’s a super great player. He’s an All-Star. He makes the game so much easier for everybody around him. And you can just tell he’s a leader from the film.” 

How much pride he takes in his 3-point shot, that part of his game as a shooter

“Yeah, I mean, I’m a shooter for sure. That’s what I hang my hat on, putting the ball in the basket. But I feel like at the NBA level, you have to be able to first make an impact on defense, and that’s how I’m going make my hay to get on the floor. It’s about playing defense first.”

Growing up in a basketball household 

“I’ve been playing basketball ever since I could walk. My dad played at Lipscomb and my mom played at Alcorn State. So they put the ball in my hand super early. I just remember a lot of times I’d be outside in the front yard with my dad playing basketball. He’s the one who taught me how to shoot. He’s the one who taught me how to play defense. So I’m in a special position. They’re supporting me a lot, and it means a lot to be able to play at the highest level now.”