'Elite shooter, dead-eye shooter': What Chaz Lanier said after his NBA Draft Pro Day

Chaz Lanier was a standout at the NBA Draft Combine and is currently projected by ESPN as a second-round pick in next month’s NBA Draft. He’s ranked as the No. 40 overall prospect in the draft according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

Here’s what Lanier said while catching up with Givony recently after his pro day:

Lanier on the NBA Draft process so far

“It’s been terrific being able to be out here and meet a lot of people, soak everything up. The experience has been great. These are the times you dream of as a little kid, being out here in Chicago alongside great players. So it’s been a blessing being able to talk with these teams and see what they think of you and just have good conversation, to just meet with people and build those connections. Yeah, man, I feel like I had a very solid performance, great measurements.”

Lanier on how he has performed during the process 

“I feel like I came out here and did what I needed to do, was able to talk to the teams and get some good feedback and information and just looking forward to the rest of the process.” 

Lanier on how he would describe himself as a player

“It’s maturity, great teammate, leader on and off the floor, elite basketball knowledge, IQ, shot making, shot ability and just playmaking. A lot of teams are saying that they want to see me play-make more for others. They see the ability for me to put the ball in the hole for myself and my movement, shooting and being able to make shots. So being able to play make for others and continuing to work hard on defense.”

Lanier on who he models his game after  

“I watch a lot of Desmond Bain and Buddy Hield. I admire the way they shoot the ball and how they keep the game so simple. And their IQ and how they just make the right reads all the time for the most part. I watch a lot of Devin Booker and the way he creates space and the way he uses his physicality to create space and get his feet and hips turned into the basket and get his shot off fast. And I respect all of their releases. I watch a lot of film on those guys.” 

Lanier on if he could see himself being in this position five years ago when he was entering college

“I never imagined. I was just super fortunate to get a Division 1 scholarship. I’m super blessed and fortunate to be in my position right now and I’m soaking everything up and not taking anything for granted.” 

Lanier on his story from high school to North Florida and Tennessee

“Yeah, I mean, just a late bloomer in high school, just a kid who stayed the course. Had two Division 1 offers coming out of high school. Just kept my head down and continued to work. Had a great senior season at North Florida and translated to the SEC. I took my talents to Tennessee for my last year and I just trusted God and trusted the process and trusted everybody who poured into me along the way. And now I’m here. God’s blessing.” 

Lanier on what he wants to be known as

“First as a winner, as a competitor, somebody who leaves it all on the floor. But an elite shooter, a dead-eye shooter who makes big shots during big time moments, that’s a great teammate though, honestly, it doesn’t matter. Whatever team takes me, we’re going to work hard and we’re going to hopefully win. I’m going to bring maturity to the team and immediate impact to the team. Being the older guy, I know my role and I understand what I need to do and what I bring to a team. So it doesn’t matter if it’s a winning team or rebuilding team, I know what I’ll be able to bring to.”

Lanier on where he sees himself in five years 

“Yeah, I mean, having a very solid role on the NBA team, being able to contribute to a winning team and being a leader for a team, I wouldn’t put a lot of importance on getting drafted high. I mean that’s always good, but more so the right fit, the right culture that fits for me and my fit for the team, coaching staff and organization who appreciates my skill and puts my development first. But I want to go to somewhere where we can win and compete.”