After an uninspiring first three seasons at North Florida, Lanier exploded for 19.7 points per game last season, virtually hitting 50/40/90 shooting splits. He shot an incredible 44% from three on 7.5 tries per game. He is also a fantastic athlete and defender. When he entered the portal, he was quickly pursued by the nation’s top programs. Kentucky was one of the clubs that appeared to have a legitimate opportunity at acquiring his talents.
So far, the Wildcats have signed some excellent athletes through the portal. This contains a few top guards, like as Koby Brea, Kerr Kriisa, and Lamont Butler. However, it appears like Mark Pope wants another lead guard. Kentucky and Arkansas were vying for FAU transfer Johnell Davis’ services before he chose Fayetteville. This left his place free, which Pope now intends to use on Lanier. Despite this, integrating a ball-dominant guard into an already overcrowded backcourt remains a difficult sell. If Pope can persuade Lanier to come to Lexington, Kentucky will enter the season as one of the title contenders.
Tennessee, Kentucky Basketball’s top opponent, poses the greatest threat to Lanier at this point. Lanier is a Nashville native who was tied to the Vols before he joined the gateway. Rick Barnes is seeking for the next Dalton Knecht with Lanier. Both players have comparable skill sets; they are highly athletic guards who can shoot threes efficiently. Tennessee also provides a significantly better position than Kentucky. The Vols haven’t been as busy in the transfer portal, so the backcourt in Knoxville is a little less packed. With that said, Kentucky is a blue blood and will undoubtedly play a role in this recruitment.
