Chaz Lanier impressed at the NBA Combine, earning praise from ESPN’s Jeff Borzello for his shooting, athleticism, and overall performance.

The NBA Draft Combine is an annual proving ground for college standouts, international hopefuls, and lesser-known prospects trying to elevate their stock in front of scouts, general managers, and executives. While many athletes come and go without leaving a lasting impression, a few use the platform to catapult themselves into national conversation. In 2025, one of the most compelling stories from the Combine is Chaz Lanier—a name that may not have dominated headlines during the college season, but one that now resonates deeply in scouting circles.

Lanier’s performance in Chicago turned heads and sparked conversation among NBA analysts, including ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, who praised his elite shooting, dynamic athleticism, and all-around competitiveness. What made Lanier stand out wasn’t just a single dazzling play or statistic—it was the complete package he put on display over the course of the event. With many players competing for limited draft spots, Lanier didn’t just participate—he performed. He impressed. And he ascended.

Rising From the Shadows: Lanier’s Journey

Before the Combine, Chaz Lanier wasn’t exactly a household name. Coming out of North Carolina, Lanier’s college career was one of steady growth and resilience. Originally flying under the radar, he honed his craft over several seasons, culminating in a breakout year that showcased his scoring ability and versatility.

Lanier’s journey is emblematic of the kind of player who thrives on hard work rather than hype. He didn’t benefit from early one-and-done buzz or extensive national TV exposure, but he made the most of every opportunity. His college numbers—marked by efficiency, explosiveness, and a rising shooting percentage—built the case for him to be considered a legitimate draft prospect.

Still, he needed a stage like the NBA Combine to showcase his skills in direct competition with other top talents. And he delivered.

Elite Shooting: A Key to NBA Success

The NBA is a shooter’s league. Floor spacing, perimeter efficiency, and catch-and-shoot reliability are critical in today’s game. Chaz Lanier demonstrated that he possesses all of these tools and more. During the Combine drills and scrimmages, his shooting was nothing short of remarkable. Whether pulling up off the dribble, spotting up from deep, or navigating around screens, Lanier displayed a confident stroke that demanded respect from defenders.

Jeff Borzello highlighted Lanier’s shooting as one of his standout traits, noting the smoothness of his release and the consistency of his mechanics. What sets Lanier apart isn’t just that he can hit threes—it’s that he can do it in a variety of ways. He’s comfortable shooting on the move, after a jab step, or off a handoff, which is a rare combination for prospects trying to make the jump.

His three-point percentage during college, particularly in his final season, ranked among the best in his conference. More importantly, he demonstrated an ability to shoot under pressure, in tight windows, and with NBA-range confidence. For scouts and executives watching in Chicago, it was clear: Lanier’s shooting is not just translatable—it’s NBA-ready.

Athleticism and Explosiveness: Beyond the Jumper

While his shooting drew immediate attention, Lanier’s athleticism added another layer to his profile. At the Combine, he posted strong results in vertical leap drills, sprint speed, and agility tests. But numbers alone don’t capture his true athletic value.

In scrimmage play, Lanier repeatedly showed his ability to explode past defenders, finish at the rim with authority, and defend multiple positions with quick feet and active hands. His lateral quickness allowed him to stay in front of opposing guards, while his leaping ability turned heads during fast breaks and rebounding opportunities.

This blend of athletic traits makes him more than just a perimeter shooter. He’s a two-way threat—a player capable of defending wings and attacking closeouts. His body control, acceleration, and burst allow him to create his own shot and adjust mid-air, traits that will serve him well in the high-speed NBA game.

One sequence that exemplified his athletic potential came during a Combine scrimmage, when Lanier secured a defensive rebound, pushed the ball coast to coast, and finished with a high-flying dunk over a rotating big man. It wasn’t just the play itself, but the confidence and ease with which he executed it. Moments like that are when scouts sit up in their chairs.

Versatility and IQ: Playing Smart, Playing Hard

Another area where Lanier impressed was his decision-making and feel for the game. It’s easy to focus on shooting and athleticism, but basketball IQ—knowing when to pass, where to rotate, and how to move without the ball—often separates the average prospects from future contributors.

Lanier showcased his understanding of spacing, pick-and-roll dynamics, and transition opportunities. He made smart passes when drives collapsed the defense, rotated effectively on defense, and communicated with teammates—traits that are often undervalued at the Combine, where chemistry is difficult to build.

This level of versatility speaks to his coaching and commitment. Lanier isn’t just a player who plays hard—he plays smart. Whether coming off the bench as a sparkplug or competing for starting minutes, he showed he can adapt to various roles. That adaptability could make him a valuable asset for teams looking to round out their rotation with intelligent, efficient wings.

Intangibles: Confidence, Composure, and Competitive Fire

Perhaps the most telling part of Lanier’s Combine performance was the intangible edge he brought. Amidst the pressure of scouts watching your every move, players often shrink or force plays. Lanier remained composed, confident, and focused throughout the Combine events.

He competed hard in drills and scrimmages, showing a willingness to guard top players and attack defenders with no hesitation. That competitive fire stood out to analysts like Borzello, who noted how Lanier’s demeanor and body language reflected a player with a chip on his shoulder—someone determined to prove he belongs.

Confidence matters in the NBA. It’s not just about talent; it’s about believing you can thrive among the best. Lanier’s performance was full of moments that screamed, “I’m ready.” And that belief can often be the difference between a second-round pick who sticks and one who fades.

Draft Implications: Where Does Lanier Stand Now?

After his strong Combine showing, the question now turns to where Lanier fits in the 2025 NBA Draft. Entering the Combine, he was likely viewed as a fringe second-round pick or undrafted free agent candidate. Now, his name is being circulated more widely among teams looking for late-first or early-second-round steals.

Teams that prioritize shooting and defensive versatility—two cornerstones of modern NBA rosters—will see value in Lanier’s profile. He could fit well on contending teams needing depth or rebuilding squads looking for low-risk, high-upside contributors.

More importantly, his Combine showing may have earned him private workouts with multiple franchises. These workouts often carry significant weight in draft positioning, allowing teams to assess personality, work ethic, and system fit. If Lanier continues to build on his Combine momentum, it’s easy to envision him climbing even higher on draft boards.

From Prospect to Pro

Chaz Lanier’s NBA Combine performance was more than just a highlight reel. It was a statement—a declaration that he belongs in the conversation. He showcased a well-rounded skill set built on elite shooting, explosive athleticism, high basketball IQ, and a fierce competitive drive. Analysts like Jeff Borzello weren’t merely offering praise—they were acknowledging the emergence of a player who could make an immediate impact at the next level.

In a draft filled with questions and uncertainty, Lanier offers something increasingly rare: a reliable, modern wing with a work ethic to match his tools. The Combine was his launchpad, but the next phase—team workouts, interviews, and ultimately, draft night—will be his opportunity to take flight.

Whether he hears his name late in the first round or early in the second, one thing is certain: Chaz Lanier is no longer under the radar. He’s rising, and the NBA is taking notice.