Why Mark Byington called Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner the most valuable player in country
Here's why Mark Byington said there isn't a more valuable player than Vanderbilt basketball's Tyler Tanner.
Tyler Tanner, a 6-foot guard for Vanderbilt, has had an exceptional two-year college basketball career. In the 2025-26 season, Tanner was named First Team All-SEC and to the SEC All-Defensive Team, while also being named an honorable mention All-American. He averaged 19.5 points per game, along with 3.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.4 steals. Tanner holds single-season program records in assists and steals, and even had a single-game assist record.
Vanderbilt's coach, Mark Byington, declared Tanner the most valuable player in the country. Byington noted that Tanner's ability to impact the game on multiple fronts, including scoring, playmaking, and defense, makes him irreplaceable. He praised Tanner's leadership and positive influence on his teammates, describing him as "as high character, good of a person as you re ever going to meet."
Returning for his third year, Tanner joins Chandler Bing and Jayden Leverett as the only other veteran players on the Commodores. Byington highlighted that Tanner's dedication, selflessness, and commitment to the team's culture have been instrumental in the team's success. With Tanner's return, Byington believes they have a true centerpiece who will continue to improve and elevate the team's performance.
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