As the college basketball season hits full stride in conference play, the coaching carousel has officially started turning - and one name gaining traction is Tennessee assistant Gabe Lazo.
VCU made headlines Monday by parting ways with head coach Beth O’Boyle, opening a seat that’s already generating buzz. Among the early candidates being floated is Lazo, whose reputation as a top-tier recruiter has put him squarely in the conversation.
In just two seasons with the Lady Vols, Lazo has made a serious impact. He played a central role in assembling Tennessee’s No. 2-ranked high school signing class this year - a group that includes multiple McDonald’s All-Americans - and helped bring in a trio of talented transfers. His recruiting work under head coach Kim Caldwell has been nothing short of elite, and it’s not just about landing big names - it’s about building a foundation for sustained success.
Before his time in Knoxville, Lazo built his resume at Mississippi State, George Washington, Stony Brook, and FIU, with three NCAA Tournament appearances along the way. That kind of experience, across a range of programs and conferences, has shaped him into more than just a talent scout. He’s a coach who understands the grind of the season, the importance of player development, and the nuances of building a culture.
Still, Lazo is well aware of the label that tends to follow him - “recruiter.” And he’s not shy about pushing back on it.
“I do get labeled a recruiter a lot,” Lazo said before the season. “I’ll be honest, I don’t really even love the word recruiter.
It’s a word that’s very transactional. I’m not a transactional person.
There’s young ladies I’ve recruited that have gone to other schools - I don’t unfollow them on social media and get mad. That’s all transactional stuff, man.
I’m all about transformational relationships and being someone who can transform and develop someone. There’s much more than the recruiting piece.
I’m a relationship builder.”
That mindset shows up in his day-to-day work. Lazo isn’t just on the trail - he’s on the court, in the film room, and in the huddle.
He’s a vocal presence on the sideline and a key part of Tennessee’s game prep throughout the season. His approach is holistic: build trust, develop talent, and win together.
For now, Lazo remains focused on the task at hand - helping the Lady Vols navigate the heart of SEC play. Tennessee is back in action Thursday night on the road at Georgia, with tip-off set for 6:30 p.m.
ET on SECN+. Then it’s a marquee matchup on Sunday as the Lady Vols head to Columbia to face South Carolina, tipping off at 3 p.m.
ET on ABC.
Whether or not Lazo ends up in the mix for the VCU job, one thing is clear: his stock is rising, and programs across the country are starting to take notice.