Vanderbilt sophomore Tyler Tanner offered a hint about his basketball future in a recent interview, stating that his goal is to eventually make it to the NBA.
Tanner was a first-team All-SEC selection this past season, averaging 19.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 steals while shooting 36.8% from 3-point range. He ranked fourth in the country in steals (86) and 18th in total points (702).
The 6-foot guard is among the 73 prospects who will compete in the draft combine, beginning this week in Chicago, Illinois. He told Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress that he is committed to participating in the 5-on-5 scrimmages to help boost his draft stock.
Tanner registered the second-highest-scoring season in program history, falling just 34 points of the all-time record (Scotty Pippen Jr.). He was the only player in the country to average at least 19 points, five assists and two steals per game last season.
The 20-year-old is considered a possible last first-round pick because of his scoring and ability as a lead ballhandler. He also dazzled as a defender throughout the season with the Commodores, earning an SEC All-Defensive team selection.
Tanner initially declared for the draft last month while maintaining his remaining college eligibility, leaving open the possibility of a return. Underclassmen who declare as early entrants have until May 27 to withdraw from the draft and return to school.
“My goal is to play in the NBA,” Tanner told Givony. “Always has been since I was a kid. I’m fully focused on making it. This is another opportunity to show what I can do. The way I make those around me better and raise the level of my teammates. I’ve always built my game on that.”
