Chaz Lanier wants to showcase his defense during NBA Draft process
When the G League Elite Camp begins Saturday in Chicago, North Florida guard Chaz Lanier knows exactly what he wants to show NBA scouts. In fact, it’s the area he has focused on most during the pre-draft process.
Defense.
“Just based off the numbers in my film, you know that I can shoot the ball,” Lanier said during an appearance on the ‘No Ceilings’ Podcast with Stephen Gillaspie. “But I really want to put my defense on display.”
Lanier, the 6-foot-4, 199-pound Nashville native who starred at North Florida last season, averaged 19.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 33.4 minutes per game, shooting 51.0% from the field and 44.0% from the 3-point line.
He was one of the most efficient scorers in the country, according to Synergy Basketball, averaging his 19.7 points on just 16.3 possessions per game, putting him at 1.20 points per possession.
G League Elite Camp: May 11-12, Chicago
But it’s one the other end of the floor where he wants to turn heads.
“I’ve really been working on my defense (during) this pre-draft process,” Lanier said during the podcast appearance. “So putting my defense on display, and then also my play playmaking ability coming off screens and getting others involved.
“Because I was really known for my scoring (last season) and I really want to put my passing and playmaking abilities and being dynamic with my dribbles on display for everybody to see as well.”
Lanier announced on March 16 that he would be entering his name in the NBA Draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility. He entered the NCAA Transfer Portal on April 24.
He’s being heavily recruited by Tennessee, with the Vols in the market for a high-scoring guard.
Lanier did not receive one of the 78 invites to the NBA Draft Combine, which begins Sunday in Chicago. He didn’t initially receive an invitation to the 44-player G League Elite Camp, either, but got an invite Monday after spots in the camp opened up.
Select standouts from the G League Elite Camp can earn spots in the NBA Draft Combine, which continues next week in Chicago.
Chaz Lanier: ‘Most importantly, you’re getting a genuine guy who really loves the game’
Lanier was asked on the No Ceilings Podcast what NBA teams can expect from him as he works toward the next level.
“You can expect, for me, I’m a versatile guard who can really shoot the ball and use my athleticism to get downhill,” Lanier said. “But most importantly, you’re getting a genuine guy who really loves the game and really just loves people and likes to pour into people and is a true servant.
“You’re going to get somebody who gives a hundred percent effort, and I mean every day. And is just a true dog man who stayed down for everything he has and has earned it and just gives all the glory to God.”
