Chaz Lanier Wins 2025 Jerry West Award as Nation’s Top Shooting Guard
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has named Tennessee senior guard Chaz Lanier the winner of the 2025 Jerry West Award, an annual honor recognizing the top shooting guard in men’s college basketball. Lanier’s remarkable season with the Volunteers cemented his status as one of the premier scorers and perimeter threats in the nation.
Lanier averaged 18.0 points per game, adding nearly four rebounds and over an assist per contest. His most impressive achievement came from beyond the arc, where he connected on a school-record 123 three-pointers. That mark not only shattered Tennessee’s single-season record but also ranked among the best seasons in SEC history. His 39.5 percent shooting clip from long range placed him among the most efficient and dangerous shooters in the country, a hallmark of his game that consistently stretched opposing defenses.
Beyond the individual numbers, Lanier’s play had a transformative effect on Tennessee’s season. The Volunteers finished with a 30–8 overall record and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. His scoring ability, composure in big moments, and leadership on the floor were pivotal in pushing Tennessee to one of its most successful campaigns in recent memory. Lanier provided not just offense but also stability, frequently delivering timely baskets that swung momentum in critical games.
The award did not come without fierce competition. Lanier rose above a finalist group that included some of the most dynamic guards in the country, such as V.J. Edgecombe of Baylor, P.J. Haggerty of Memphis, Tre Johnson of Texas, and Caleb Love of Arizona. Each candidate had an outstanding season, but Lanier’s combination of volume scoring, efficiency, and his role in guiding Tennessee’s deep tournament run separated him from the field.
The honor is especially significant for Tennessee basketball. Lanier becomes the first player in program history to receive the Jerry West Award and only the second from the SEC to claim the title. His achievement reflects the growing stature of Tennessee’s program on the national stage, as well as the team’s ability to recruit and develop elite talent capable of excelling against the nation’s best.
Lanier himself has spoken humbly about the recognition, emphasizing the collective nature of his success. He credited his coaches, teammates, and family for helping him reach this milestone, framing the award not as an individual prize but as a testament to the program’s culture and dedication. His comments reflected the maturity and perspective that made him a respected leader within the Tennessee locker room.
The Jerry West Award, first presented in 2015, has quickly become one of college basketball’s most prestigious positional honors. Named after the NBA legend often referred to as “Mr. Clutch,” the award celebrates guards who embody scoring ability, reliability, and competitive excellence. By earning the 2025 distinction, Lanier joins a select fraternity of past winners who have gone on to make their mark at the professional level.
For Lanier, the award serves as both a capstone to his outstanding collegiate career and a springboard into the next stage of his basketball journey. His historic season will be remembered not only for its numbers but for the way it elevated Tennessee basketball to new heights.
