Tennessee’s Next “Go-To Guy” Takes Up The Mantle From Dalton Knecht To Secure Rick Barnes’ SEC Reign

When Dalton Knecht left a scoring void in the Tennessee Volunteers’ lineup, fans wondered who would rise to the challenge. Enter Chaz Lanier, the Vols’ latest “go-to guy” who delivered an amazing performance in their 76-52 rout of No. 23 Arkansas. His rise as Tennessee’s new offensive powerhouse is being talked about by fans and analysts. Let’s see how he compares to their ex-scorer Dalton Knecht.

“Chaz Lanier gives them some of the same things that they‘ve needed for years now, which is a go-to guy, a guy that can just score the basketball,” said analyst Jeff Goodman. Lanier‘s 29-point outing, including five three-pointers, proves that he‘s not only up to the task but may even surpass expectations.

Jeff Goodman went on to compare Lanier with Knecht. “Lanier is a better pure three-point shooter. Doesn’t have the size of Dalton Knecht”. Lanier may not reach the same length but can compensate with his shot precision. Goodman also commented on Lanier’s pressure play, “He answers the bell when you need him to“.

Even though the Razorbacks were beaten by a remarkable margin, they did try their best. Goodman said, “Tennessee just out-toughed them, plain and simple. They did what they still do, which is defend and play tough.” Tennessee has, of course, retained a defensive personality under Rick Barnes, but now they can use Lanier in the late game to add some depth in SEC action.

The Volunteers’ style of play requires a player who can “make a play” when it matters most. Lanier is shaping up to be that guy. “They‘ve got, you know, that dude who they can give the ball to and make a play,” Goodman noted. If Lanier continues this trajectory, Tennessee‘s reign under Barnes is not just secure—it‘s thriving.

The game that made Chaz Volunteers’ new Dalton Knecht

Tennessee‘s 76-52 victory over Arkansas wasn‘t just about Lanier’s game. The No. 1 Volunteers now tied the best start in school history at 14-0, with a perfect 1-0 record in the SEC. From the opening whistle, it was apparent that the Vols were there to set the tone for their conference campaign.

Lanier‘s early three-pointer sparked an 11-0 run, which placed Tennessee in a lead at 19-12. Igor Millicic Jr. complemented Lanier‘s scoring with a spectacular double-double, as he tallied 13 points and a jaw-dropping 18 rebounds. By halftime, the Vols were ahead 42-27, thanks to a 27-12 rebounding edge that personified their rugged style of play.

The second half only moved the game more towards Tennessee‘s victory. Millicic and Lanier continued to shine, with Lanier hitting his fifth three-pointer to push the lead to 21. A few Arkansas rallies could not get the Razorbacks any closer. Tennessee‘s defense held firm and their offensive rebounding (14 in the first half alone) kept the Razorbacks at bay.

Lanier, emerging at the right moment as the Vols’ new offense leader, gives  Tennessee the opportunity to be confident going into their really tough road test with Florida. It seems like under Rick Barnes‘s leadership and Lanier answering every call, this Vols SEC reign is quite unstoppable.