Vol Hoops Meets Lady Vol Spark: Chaz Lanier & Malaysia Cooper Set Instagram Ablaze with Relationship Reveal
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — April 14, 2025
In a surprise that has electrified the Tennessee sports community and sent waves through social media, Tennessee Volunteers basketball star Chaz Lanier and Lady Vols rising standout Malaysia Cooper have officially confirmed their relationship via a heartfelt Instagram post late Sunday night. With a caption reading “Built Different — On and Off the Court” accompanied by a carousel of cozy, candid photos from the Knoxville Riverwalk, the dynamic duo sent their combined fandom into overdrive.
Sparks Fly from Rocky Top
Rumors had been swirling for months, with fans spotting subtle flirty exchanges in comment sections and the two often appearing together in background shots during team events. But it wasn’t until last night that speculation turned into confirmation.
The first image in the Instagram series showed Lanier, clad in a crisp white hoodie with the iconic orange “Power T,” wrapping an arm around Cooper, who sported a vintage Pat Summitt tee and Nike Dunks. The next few pictures ranged from an artsy black-and-white Polaroid-style photo of them laughing over smoothies to a cozy evening shot by Neyland Stadium’s riverfront, with Cooper leaning on Lanier’s shoulder under the caption: “Buckets & Butterflies.”
Within an hour, the post had over 200,000 likes, with comments pouring in from teammates, fans, and even former Tennessee greats.
“Y’all are the real Tennessee Power Couple!” wrote former Lady Vol legend Tamika Catchings.
“Who got game? Both of y’all. Love this.” added Kennedy Chandler, a fellow Tennessee basketball alum.
Hoops Royalty at Tennessee
Lanier, recently crowned with the Jerry West Award and fresh off a record-breaking season as Tennessee’s sharpshooting guard, has seen his stock soar nationally. Known for his clutch perimeter shooting and ice-cold fourth-quarter demeanor, the Memphis native has also been praised for his calm leadership and quiet intensity — both on and off the court.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Cooper, a sophomore sensation for the Lady Vols, emerged this season as a fiery on-ball defender with elite court vision and a penchant for buzzer-beaters. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Cooper was instrumental in the Lady Vols’ Sweet 16 run and is expected to be one of the cornerstones of Coach Kim Caldwell’s system moving forward.
A Love Story Written in Orange
Sources close to both teams say the pair initially bonded over shared late-night gym sessions at Pratt Pavilion and a mutual love of 90s hip-hop and soul food Sundays at Gus’s. What started as casual workouts turned into friendship — and over time, something more.
“They’re just good people,” said Lady Vol teammate Ruby Whitehorn. “They both take the game seriously, but they know how to laugh and be real. I think they ground each other.”
Multiple eyewitnesses claim the pair’s chemistry off the court is just as electric as their respective games. Whether it’s impromptu dance battles at team bonding events or Cooper cheering wildly from the front row at Thompson-Boling Arena, it’s clear the support flows both ways.
The Fan Reaction
Twitter (or X) was ablaze within minutes of the Instagram drop. #Chaysia — a mash-up of Chaz and Malaysia — began trending regionally, with fan edits, memes, and even faux wedding hashtag predictions flooding timelines.
One fan tweeted:
“If this isn’t what Rocky Top love looks like, I don’t want it!”
Another posted a photoshopped mural of the pair on The Strip with the caption: “Lanier drains 3s. Cooper steals hearts.”
Future on Fire
Though both players are focused on their respective offseason goals — with Lanier potentially eyeing the NBA Draft and Cooper expected to take a leadership leap for the Lady Vols — insiders say the relationship has only strengthened their commitment to excellence.
“They’re still in the gym every morning before anyone else,” said one assistant coach. “They push each other to be great. It’s not just cute — it’s competitive.”
What’s Next?
Neither Lanier nor Cooper has spoken to the media directly since the post, but sources say a joint interview may be in the works — possibly for a special segment on SEC Now or The Players’ Lounge podcast.
In the meantime, Knoxville will be watching — and cheering — as two of Tennessee’s brightest stars share their journey, both on the hardwood and in the heart.
Because sometimes, love really does start with a pick-and-roll.
