NBA Draft

Tennessee Volunteers Prospects Could Boost NBA Draft Stock in Tournament

The Tennessee Volunteers have a chance to reach the final four for the first time in program history and a deep March Madness run for the Vols could boost the draft stock of a couple of prospects

Rylan Stiles

Mar 5, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Chaz Lanier (2) looks on after a three-point shot against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
Mar 5, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Chaz Lanier (2) looks on after a three-point shot against the Mississippi Rebels during the first half at The Sandy and John Black Pavilion at Ole Miss. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images / Wesley Hale-Imagn Images
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This is March! The time for Cinderella stories, the time for upsets, heartbreak, jubilation and players to become household names.

Despite having a whole body of work, NBA Draft prospects do get a boost to their draft stock from what they accomplish in March. Especially if they parlay that run into great combine and private workout showings for teams.

The Tennessee Volunteers are in the mix to go on a deep NCAA Tournament run, in search of the program's first ever trip to the Final Four. Their prospects, more than most, have a shot to really solidify their draft status as second round prospects that perhaps could latch into the first round conversation.

Zakai Zeigler is an undersized guard that is not going to magically grow, but this is a big stage to display his defensive prowess and ability to lead a team with the ball in his hands that could impress NBA executives enough to view him as an impactful second round rookie.

Chaz Lanier with a scorching hot shooting tournament could continue to build his case of being a cost controlled prospect that can earn his way into solid footing within NBA circles.

Another boost to these two will be the lack of depth the Vols have. Rick Barnes barely has scholarship players to toss out there and if Tennessee is going to pull off a deep run, Zeigler and Lanier will need to soak up a majority of the minutes.

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Rylan Stiles
RYLAN STILES

Rylan Stiles is a credentialed media member covering the Oklahoma City Thunder. He hosts the Locked On Thunder Podcast, and is lead beat writer for Inside the Thunder. Rylan is also an award-winning play-by-play broadcaster for the Oklahoma Sports Network. 

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