Home / Sports / Vanderbilt Star Tyler Tanner Shocks NBA Draft, Returns
Vanderbilt Star Tyler Tanner Shocks NBA Draft, Returns
14 Oct
Summary
- Tyler Tanner withdrew from the 2026 NBA Draft, returning to Vanderbilt.
- He was a 2025-26 First Team All-SEC and honorable mention All-American.
- Coach Byington calls Tanner the most valuable player in the country.
Tyler Tanner, a dynamic 6-foot guard, has announced his decision to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft and return to Vanderbilt for the 2026-27 college basketball season. This move comes after a standout sophomore year where Tanner was named First Team All-SEC and an honorable mention All-American, averaging 19.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game.
Coach Mark Byington expressed his excitement about Tanner's return, emphasizing his significant impact on the game and his leadership. Byington stated Tanner is not scared of big moments and continues to improve, calling him the most valuable player in the country. Tanner himself conveyed his eagerness to get better every day with his teammates and coaching staff.
The Vanderbilt team is notably young, ranking as the second-youngest major conference team. Tanner, alongside Chandler Bing and Jayden Leverett, provides veteran leadership. Byington highlighted Tanner's high character and unselfishness as crucial to the team's culture, believing his example positively influences his teammates.
