JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former University of North Florida Ospreys and Tennessee men’s basketball standout Chaz Lanier’s dream of playing in the NBA came true Thursday night during the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Lanier was drafted 37th overall by the Detroit Pistons — a moment he will remember forever and one that solidified his place as the first UNF graduate drafted.
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“I mean, it’s a crazy feeling,” Lanier said during a press conference with Pistons media members after being drafted. “This is the thing that you work so hard for, the moment you put so much hard work into to get to. So it’s just a blessing.”
Lanier spent four seasons at North Florida under longtime head coach Matthew Driscoll, where he developed into one of the program’s most reliable shooters. He finished his Ospreys career ranked second in free-throw percentage (86.4%) and fifth in 3-point percentage (40.7%). His breakout senior season at UNF earned him ASUN First Team All-Conference honors.
UNF Coach Kennen commended Lanier’s work ethic and dedication to the game he loves.
“Chaz Lanier is a fierce competitor with a tireless work ethic and game that speaks for itself. What isn’t said loudly enough is how he is a better person than he is a player, and it’s not close,” Kennen said. “He is a proud graduate of North Florida who positively impacted our program and the community with his exceptional character, servant leadership and care for people. The Detroit Pistons are getting an individual who pours into his teammates and who has earned everything. We have no doubt that he will elevate the organization both on and off the court with this opportunity.”
Following his graduation from UNF, Lanier transferred to the University of Tennessee for his final season of eligibility, where he emerged as one of the top shooting guards in the nation. At Tennessee, he set a program record with 123 made 3-pointers and ranked second all-time in 3-pointers made per game (3.24). He also placed eighth in career 3-point shooting percentage at 39.5%.
“My journey has been a long, unorthodox path,” Lanier said. “God has blessed me immensely, and I’m just super excited to be here. This is a surreal feeling on draft day to hear my name called. But it’s been a lot of hard work to get to this point, and I’m just super excited.”
Lanier’s impact in Knoxville was recognized nationally. He was awarded the 2025 Jerry West Award, presented annually to the top shooting guard in men’s college basketball.
He also earned All-SEC Second Team honors and was named the Southeastern Conference’s inaugural Newcomer of the Year.